what age do guineas loose their fertility

[lcw1995]

i have had a male guinea since middle of 07
i just got a young pair about 1 1/2 years old
the old male has become the mate to the young female
question is is he not fertile anymore
he was full grown and mature when i got him
for all i no he could be 5 years old or more
seems old to me for a bird to still be fertile
im not sure if the young male has been able to mate with her
old male is pretty dang protective
i got an egg from her today
not sure if its fertile
i would like to hatch some keets before shes done for the year
thanks cole

 

[PeepsCA]

IMO he should still be fertile if he's healthy (especially if he's feelin' good enough to still be goin' at it!). It's typically the Hens that peter out before the males do, you'll see a gradual decline in egg production each year after they turn 3 - 4 yrs old, rather than fertility issues with the eggs they do lay. Make sure she's on a layer feed and has free choice to oyster shell and hope for the best

Open the egg and examine the blastodisc on the yolk... if you see a bullseye, she's laying fertile eggs

Sometimes the first eggs aren't fertile tho, so you may want to test a few more as she lays.

The young male may have snuck in a few quickies, ya never know, lol.

 

[sourland]

Quote:
I'm in complete agreement with all that PeepsCa had to say including the probable quickies.

 

[cracking up]

You could always stick it in the incubator for a week and candle it. Collect five and stick them in together. I'm an optimist - that way you'll have four hatch at the same time.

 

[lcw1995]

i dont think im gonna crack it open just yet
want to try and get a few more
this isint the first eggs shes laid
shes layed about 30 or so
she layed those at the ladys house i got her from she said
yea hes definitely healthy
acts just like the young male
cant tell a difference in the health lol
when they do the chase the old male does the chasing and keeps up with the younger
hes knocked the young one for a loop a few times

 

[PeepsCA]

LOL he's prolly gettin' the deed done then