what to do with marathon running hens? LOL

o.k so my standard cornish are having some problems... ( show lines) the fertility sucks but i witness why or partially why today, i separated the rooster from the 2 girls for a day , 1/2 i decided to put the girls in with him as he is in a small tractor, it will be his turf so he may be more excited to see them, we he did his little rooster jigg for them, tried to do the deed but the girls run away from him! like i mean scramble away from him in circles... so this is why i only sucessfully have 2 fertile eggs/ 2 chicks since january! what should i do? hog tie the girls so they cant run away or what? any suggestions? he is not a mean rooster like i have seen he just is a massive boy, maybe the pullets are scared? LOL

You could Talk to Rico and he can tell you how to AI them
I know he does it with his cochin

I haven't bred Cornish but have a couple of friends that do in Australia. Actually they call them Indian Game there. They are actually breeding a slightly longer leg in their breeding males. The longer legged males don't do well at shows, but they can tread the hens naturally and some of the stouter, shorter legged show birds have trouble. Maybe a slightly longer leg would me he could keep up too!
I personally always struggle with the concept of AI. We do it here with the cattle, but for genetic purposes, not confirmation, fertility or breeding issues. I like animals that can breed naturally, but that is just a personal thing.

i kinda have to agree with you coopslave, the thought of AAI isnt appealing to me, i know he "can"do it as i have 2 of his offspring its just it seems that thats all i have had luck getting all season so far, hopefully fertility will pick up its disheartening trying to build up a flock....and to only have 2 chicks to stay for it LOL

If you only just put them together, I'd say give the girls some time to get used to him. I think peaceful cohabitation happens THEN eggs get fertile. If they don't normally live together, he's a stranger, as far as they're concerned.

uno wrote:If you only just put them together, I'd say give the girls some time to get used to him. I think peaceful cohabitation happens THEN eggs get fertile. If they don't normally live together, he's a stranger, as far as they're concerned.

he is no stranger uno, they live together since last fall, I took him away for 2 days as fertility sucks, sometimes distance makes the heart grow fond. I observed them for awhile every time the male would try to do anything the girls would scram...

My LF Cornish are also infertile too, but for different reasons. Lazy boys. I am hoping now it is warmer I can get them outside and their libido will improve. I actually meant to have them out last night but ran out of time and energy. Tonight...

I've heard of a few ideas for improving fertility in the roosters, but nothing about encouraging the hens to stay still and crouch for him. some of the old time breeders have suggested feeding wheat germ oil as it is supposed to help with libido/fertility. It must be frustrating to have that wonderful breeding group and no fertile eggs to perpetuate them.