Cockerel - had is day?

[Anonymous]

Hi
I`m a bit concerned that I`ve just cracked open 30 eggs from our light sussex hens after almost 30 days in the incubater and they were all unfertilised 09
The 4 hens (first season layers) have been running with our light sussex cock constantly. We`ve seen him mount a couple of the hens on the odd occaision but he doesn`t seem that interested in them(!) He`s a big bird which we bought in a t the end of last year, no one knows how old he is, I`m starting to think he`s maybe old and not so interested in the hens as he should be, my OH thinks the hens are too young and we should keep trying with the same cockerel for another year.
The hens (light sussex) are laying very well and they`re good sized eggs, one hen has already gone broody and is sitting on a clutch right now - I now doubt they are fertile though
These are our first chickens and any help/advise would be very welcome.
Thanks

 

[daniellesdogs]

thats not good is it. my boy is a light sussex x buff orpington and hes going at it, only young so im hoping he ll slow down a bit befor find him new home he would hump your leg if you stay still too long :lol:

 

[Chuck]

If he has big long spurs, he is probbably quite old. It's usually the male that's the problem and a young, vigorous male should sort things out. Light Sussex males are usually good at covering their hens.

The pullets' age will not cause fertility problems but if they are a good egg laying strain, they are best not bred from in their first year until you can see how they've laid over a year plus the egg size as well. You really need to set good sized eggs and don't breed from por layers. If you get a replacement male, make sure he comes from a good egg laying line as well.

 

[E3lx]

I totally agree with Chuck