How a rooster fertilizes a hen: a mating scheme and a description of the breeding process

To get offspring from chickens, it is not enough just to put males and females together. How a rooster fertilizes a hen depends on many factors. Even the number of birds affects, as well as the choice of a rooster, age. Knowing this, the poultry farmer will be able to create optimal conditions and calculate the time of offspring. But even in this case, various problems can arise, for example, when the egg is infertile.

Features of the reproductive system of chickens

Like other birds, reproduction in chickens occurs with the help of a special organ - the cloaca. It is an enlarged part of the hindgut. In roosters, the scheme of the genital organs is as follows:

• testes (they produce spermatozoa);
• seed tubes;
• actually, the cloaca, into which spermatozoa are excreted through the seminal ducts.

In chickens, the reproductive system consists of the ovaries and oviduct. It is in the first that the eggs are formed and then mature. They then become the yolk in the chicken egg. During fertilization, the cloacae of males and females come into contact, the seminal fluid of the rooster enters the chicken. Moreover, spermatozoa do not die within 20 days.

How many hens and roosters do you need in a chicken coop?

The ratio is considered optimal when there is one leader rooster in the hen house, which manages a flock of ten to twelve females. It’s not worth starting less - situations are possible when the male tramples the females too often. This will damage the he alth of the latter, even injuries are possible. In addition, due to frequent mating, the concentration of spermatozoa decreases, which is why eggs are fertilized worse.

The minimum number of females per rooster is 3-4, otherwise he can behave aggressively even towards the hens themselves.

If there are about 20 birds or more, it is recommended to have a second rooster. But the young to the old is better not to plant. A more experienced male may attack him. In general, having two roosters has several advantages:

1. Usually the stronger one becomes the leader, while the weak ones remain "on the hook", they can protect the females in the absence of the first one.
2. Competition is created, and you can not be afraid that one of the roosters will show little activity.

If the goal is not 100% fertilization, then even one male can be left for a large number of females.

How to choose a rooster

When a male is picked up, they look not only at him.If possible, ask your parents to show you, watch them. These should be birds with good he alth and good productivity, otherwise all the shortcomings are transmitted to the chicks. The appearance of the rooster is also important:

• comb - eye-catching, bright scarlet;
• stands on its paws firmly, straight;
• fingers without curvature;
• expressed signs of the breed (if any).

You can not take too young or old rooster - they will not be able to fertilize chickens. It is important that he reaches puberty. Choose an active rooster, a little cocky, who shows leadership qualities. At the same time, care should be traced to chickens in his relationship. The bird must not be too aggressive. Then it will be dangerous for both animals and people.

At what age is fertilization possible

Puberty occurs at 4-5 months, sometimes a little later. The fact that the rooster is ready for mating is determined by the spurs that appear. But even birds that have reached this age do not always breed immediately. Some take time to settle into a new coop, take the lead, and start trampling on the females.

How does mating happen?

The rooster is the head of the flock, who takes care of all the chickens, and at the right time tramples each of them. You can not prevent this, otherwise he will show aggression. This applies to other males as well. However, fertilization is preceded by a courtship ritual. The male walks near the female, lowers one wing. Next birds mate:

1. The hen lies on the ground, after which the rooster climbs on it, while grabbing the feathers on the back of the head.
2. He tramples for a while, looking for the female's cloaca to touch his own.
3. If done right, the rooster's seminal fluid enters the hen's genital tract, where it stays.
4. Sperms remain active for 20 days, during which all eggs laid will be fertilized.

The whole process is very fast. Therefore, a rooster sometimes tramples chickens up to 22 times a day. This number depends on the age of the bird and the season.

How are eggs fertilized?

After a mature egg enters the oviduct, it is fertilized in its upper part. Several spermatozoa can enter the egg, but in the end the whole process occurs with the help of one. There is an increase in the yolk, and then, with the help of special glands, protein is formed. Next come the shell membrane and, in fact, the shell, which consists of calcium.

How can I tell if an egg is fertilized?

Chickens lay even if the eggs are not fertilized. Therefore, if you want to get chickens, you need to check every one.To do this, it is enough to enlighten the egg with a bright lamp or a special device - an ovoscope. This is done in a dark room, while looking at the thick part of the egg. It is better to take white ones, brown ones do not show through well.

In case of fertilization, blood vessels will be visible in the yolk, as well as spots and clots. If there is only a contour of the vessels, and the rest is missing, this means that the egg was fertilized, but the embryo died. If he is alive, then sometimes you can even determine the stage of development in this way.

Possible problems

With improper care or adverse external conditions, problems may occur during fertilization.

The rooster tore the back and sides of the chicken

This happens very often if the male has too long claws. Therefore, they need to be cut in time. Chicken wounds are immediately disinfected using any available means, even ordinary peroxide will do.Then lubricate with wound healing ointment; if there is no special one, take a drug for people. Until fully recovered, the hen is removed from the rooster to prevent further injury.

What if the rooster doesn't fertilize the hen?

There may be several reasons why a male does not trample females or cannot fertilize them:

• age - old birds lose the ability to do this, too young will not do either;
• new environment, unfamiliar chickens;
• stress (noise, incorrect temperature or lighting conditions, poor food);
• genetics - hermaphrodite roosters are not capable of reproduction.

If the matter is age, then it is enough to replace the old rooster or wait until the young one reaches puberty. Also, birds always need time to get used to the situation.In case of stress, all factors that negatively affect the birds are removed. It is also important to check the bird before purchasing - so that it does not turn out to be a hermaphrodite.

If you follow all these rules, you can get a good offspring. Hens are very prolific birds, and a rooster is capable of fertilizing a large number of females, and in the right conditions, embryos develop in almost all eggs.

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