Do pure breed cockerels struggle with their duties?

[hepina]

Just a simple question and you will probably think I am a bit 07 to ask this question but...

Friend of ours had two lots of eggs from reputable breeders of blue orpingtons. Our broody was happily sitting on them (and the other broody is now sitting on the second lot of eggs) but the amount of fertile eggs is just crap.

First lot - none out of six eggs was fertile. The second lot - only one chick candeled for sure tonight out of six eggs. Four eggs definitely not fertile and one might be (there is a shadow but no air bubble and the shadow stretches over the half of the egg like curtain).

We never had this kind of problem with our cockerel who was a proper mix.

Or is there any other explanation?

Thanks.

 

[Chuck]

The answer is no, most pure breed males don't struggle at all. However, there are some breeds which have been bred for 'abnormal' features such as excess fluff and feather, such as the Orpingtons and I believe some breeders find it necessary to trim some of the feathers round the vent to make a better connection ! Excessive inbreeding can lower vigor and therefore fetility. Poor feeding, dirty eggs, old eggs, damage in transit or storing and poor shell quality can also affect fertility and hatchability. If Orpingtons are as dozey as they look, there may be some lack of libido as well !
'Reputable breeders' - there are a lot of keepers who can be very plausable but haven't a lot behind them. However, even good breeding pens can have a temporary blip and have tempory lower fertility for various reasons. With poor layers such as the Orpingtons it make take more than a few days to collect even six eggs together so they may be old before they arrive.

 

[ccm]

Ditto Chuck.

Have you contacted the breeder, if they are at all reputable they should offer replacements

 

[chrismahon]

Our Orpingtons have no issue with fertility or libido. They may be generally rather laid back but they certainly have their furious moments! Have heard the fluffy bottom feathers on the hens can obstruct 'the process'. A breeder should remove them to be more sure that the eggs going out are good.

Our Buff Orpington cock is merrily fertilising the eggs of his hen and the three Gold Laced Wyandottes in with them. He services all 4 first thing in the morning before breakfast!