Jmcdougall Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Hi all, How many times can you use a cockeral for breeding? I've used Mr Cock for Two years, this being his third lot. I would be sorry to see him go. Thanks Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 If he is a good example of his breed then I'd keep using him, if he is a pure breed he will probably be ok for three or four years minimum You will know when his breeding days are over and he needs to retire when you start getting less and less fertile eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madchook Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 I don't really know, but maybe worth setting a batch to fertility test? I don't know if they are like human males and virile until old age... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmcdougall Posted March 30, 2010 Author Share Posted March 30, 2010 I should have been a bit clearer. He is mixing with his offspring, is this ok. He is still doing a good job and looks after the girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 oh I see - got it Well its not ideal but a few generations of this are normally fine providing the offspring are healthy and fertility in the eggs is ok If you are not planning to hatch this year you'll be ok If you are planning to hatch perhaps you could run him with some of the older hens only for a week or so and then you can just collect their eggs to hatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmcdougall Posted March 30, 2010 Author Share Posted March 30, 2010 So does this mean i shouldn't use his male offspring at all. We have kept one from last year. They all get along fine, Mr "C" is still top dog. Its a bit hard to keep them apart, they all free range. Thanks for the help. Jas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 No, you'll be ok to use the sons Son back to the next older generation is a common crossing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
