Artificial insemination

chrismahon

chrismahon

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We have a problem at the moment. Our pet cock Bottom is far too old and is probably infertile at 6 ½ years -although he is still keen! His son Basil, who is 4 ½, is suffering with mobility. He is too big to catch and tread the hens with any reliability. If he does try too hard there will be risk of injury anyway. He's not fat, just massive! We don't want to introduce 'French' Buff Orpingtons yet -they are very different birds indeed, although they look similar.

I have a vague recollection of reading about artificial insemination with show birds. Just wondered, before I do more research, whether anyone has, or knows of, practical experience. Or perhaps has reference material?

Another alternative is 'assisted insemination'. So we catch the hen and hold the cock on top of her. Do you think that would work? Has anyone tried it?
 
I think Basil should be consulted about this before you go ahead. He may need counselling. Also there may be legal repercussions from the hen involved, if she reports it to Operation Yewtree.
If you do try it, please be sure to get Rosie on standby with the video camera. It will go viral on YouTube.
 
I think Basil should be consulted about this before you go ahead. He may need counselling. Also there may be legal repercussions from the hen involved, if she reports it to Operation Yewtree.
If you do try it, please be sure to get Rosie on standby with the video camera. It will go viral on YouTube.
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Well really, I didn't realise I was a member of this kind of forum!. I'm sure the moderator will have something to say to the offender responsible ;)
 
Appears the answer to what I thought were serious questions is "no".

So the necessary information (as usual -great book) comes from Gail Damerow. Pages 270 to 272 of Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens carry what seems to be all the information I need about artificial insemination. Think we will try some assistance first though, as the process isn't that simple especially with a cock bird that heavy. Poor Basil isn't going to like it much as he is quite a timid -usually.

Might do a video if we have someone to operate the camera? Sure we aren't the only people to encounter this problem.
 
I sympathise with your problem, Chris, and understand why you want to try this - but I think the most important thing about breeding healthy stock is to select vigorous individuals who are up to the job without artificial assistance.
Hence my rather jocular reply.
Dinosaw, I've reported it to the moderator (me) and she says its O.K. on this occasion. :-)08 :-)08 :-)08
 
Think you've missed the point of this exercise Marigold. They are very healthy stock, but because of circumstances we have left breeding too late and they are now 4 ½ years old and will be 5 in Spring. The fact that they have reached that age demonstrates their health and resistance, otherwise I wouldn't bother.
 
I don't know Chris, I can see Marigolds point. In most creatures, breeding at the very beginning or the very end of their fertile life is more likely to lead to problems than if conducted during their prime. If I were to try it though I would probably build a very small pen that would minimise the hens chances of escape and put Basil in there with her so that he didn't have to chase and his chances to successfully tread would be increased.
 
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