Hello fellow chicken lovers

[ChookieloverBell]

Hello everyone, I am Bell
I love to use this site and reference and learning guide. I’ve joined today to ask one of my own questions.
How to improve fertility in Heavy Breed? (Specifically Orpington 50% and Brahma -%)
I’ve had great fertility rates with my lighter breed of my three flocks, Heritage Australorps. My Austra Rooster can mount a lot steadier than my other two Roosters as he is slimmer. Their diet is 19% protein pellets and grain mix, I have implemented fermentating a portion of their feed. As well as trimming their vents.
Thanks in advanced for your responses, Much appreciated Bell

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Bell, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would stop the grains in the mix as it will decrease protein. I've seen where vent feathers were plucked in a large bare patch on both males and females in breeding groups. Maybe the trimming is insufficient.
How old is your breeding stock? Fertility drops with age.

 

[Jenbirdee]

hello and welcome!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[theoldchick]

Sometimes those super large breeds require artificial insemination to keep up fertility rates. This require collection of sperm from the rooster and placling it in the hen. I learned how to do this in the reproductive course for my Vet Tech degree.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

So many factors effect fertility, from genetic background, their environment, age, health, diet, etc... The best thing you can do is start with quality stock that has previously proven itself. (Heritage breeds tend to be cleaner birds). Feed a high quality diet, treats consisting of greens/veggies and meat scraps, lots of exercise and free ranging, and keep a healthy coop (clean, airy, quiet and lots of space).

Best wishes with your breeding plans!

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Hi and welcome to BYC

 

[N F C]

Hi Bell, it's nice to have you here with us!

 

[muddy75]

 

[Jener8or]

Best wishes for all of your breeding plans! I hope you get it all sorted out! I haven't had any experience with fertility issues, but I think you have gotten some good advice. Don't be afraid to re-ask the question elsewhere in the forums for more suggestions.

Thanks for joining and welcome to BackYard Chickens!