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When do cockerals start to mate with the pullets?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by JLS, Oct 20, 2010.

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  1. Oct 20, 2010 #1
    JLS

    JLS Love my feathered babies!

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    My Coop
    My pullets and cockeral are just shy of 20 weeks. My cockeral Silkie has been crowing for a couple of weeks now. When will he start to do his "husbanly duty"? At what age do they start to mate? Also, will he mate with the standard sized hens and pullets or just the single Silkie pullet that I have?
     
  3. Oct 20, 2010 #2
    gryeyes

    gryeyes Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers

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    My slice of heaven in Somerset, CA
    He has probably already started, you just haven't seen it. (The actual act takes about 3 seconds.)

    He'll attempt to mount the standard sized hens, you betcha.
     
  5. Oct 20, 2010 #3
    woodmort

    woodmort Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mine was over a month younger than my first laying birds and he was on them as soon as they began to lay. All they need is a willing hen and the hormones will kick in.
     

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