Wyandotte bantams' fertility

[Hans77]

Who breeds wyandotte bantams and can tell me whether they trim the fluff around the vent to increase fertility or not.
Some breeders apparently trim above the pullet's vent and below the cockerel's. Some say it's not worth the effort. Any first hand experience here?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there.

After several years of breeding fluffy bottom chickens including Orpington, Silkies and others... I have NEVER yet had to trim bottom for fertility issues.

But that is MY experience. And I have a little more to share...

Weather (season), age (too young OR old), stock density, extended inbreeding, broodiness, and many other things can effect fertility.

Wyandottes specifically... it is known that breeding several generations of nothing but rose comb can slow the motility of sperm in future generations (not your original stock unless it is already at that point). Some breeders (mostly hatchery contracted) sneak a straight comb into their stock to help prevent this.

Also just because a hen lays an egg doesn't mean it's viable.

Personally NO, I wouldn't trim bottoms... I feel as though pokey pin feathers sticking out while they rub vent won't help either bird.

Nutrition is always a factor to me... that effects overall health and hatchability. Fat under nourished birds will have a harder time with the act of breeding and laying.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[Hans77]

Thanks for the elaborate answer.
I have never trimmed either, I was just wondering how beneficial it could be. At this moment I have one flock of a rare colour I am keen on breeding, but the cockerel I finally found 300 kilometres from here , is so clumsy... He's from June last year. Age matters, I know. Patience is not my strength, I'm afraid. I'm going to collect eggs in a fortnight to check.

 

[Selsharesthan]

I trim my Wyandotte hens AND roosters, but I don't trim my White Leghorns. It does seem to increase fertilization in at least the nasty chickens that have turds built up around the vent, as it leaves nowhere to build up, but the other ones seem to be only slightly more successful. The big part is basically waiting for 20-30 days with the hens and roo in your breeding pen before collecting to ensure that sperm from any previous roosters has been used up, and to ensure that all hens are fertilized before collecting. I personally wait the entire 30 days. Also, don't give them too much space. 4x8 is plenty of space for a rooster and 8 hens. More space means they can get away from him too easily. You can probably get away with 4 more than that if they're not giant breeds. Also reduce their stress as much as possible. Stressed birds don't breed or lay well. And a good diet doesn't hurt. I feed Nutrena to my flock. Naturewise layer feed and Hi Pro scratch. Hope this helps.