Mating diagram and description of the process of how a rooster fertilizes a chicken

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

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 expanded part of the hindgut. Roosters have the following diagram of their genital organs:

• testes (sperm are formed in them);
• vas deferens;
• in fact, the cloaca, into which sperm are discharged through the vas deferens.

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

How many hens and roosters should you have in a chicken coop?

The optimal ratio is when there is one leader rooster in the chicken coop, who controls a flock of ten to twelve females. There is no point in breeding less - situations are possible when the male tramples the females too often. This will harm the health of the latter, and even injuries are possible. In addition, due to frequent mating, the concentration of sperm decreases, which is why eggs are less fertilized.

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

If there are about 20 birds or more, it is recommended to get a second rooster. But it’s better not to mix the young with the old. 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 weaker ones remain “in the wings” and can protect the females in the absence of the first one.
2. Competition is created, and there is no need to be afraid that one of the roosters will show little activity.

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

How to choose a rooster

When a male is selected, they look not only at him. If possible, ask your parents to show you too, and watch them. These should be birds with good health and good productivity, since otherwise all the shortcomings will be passed on to the chicks. The appearance of the rooster is also important:

• comb – prominent, bright scarlet color;
• stands firmly on its paws, straight;
• fingers without bending;
• pronounced characteristics of the breed (if any).

You cannot take a rooster that is too young or old - they will not be able to fertilize hens. 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 the chickens in his relationship. The bird should 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 appearance of spurs. But even birds that have reached this age do not always reproduce immediately. Some require time during which they settle into the new coop, take the place of the leader and begin to trample the females.

How does mating happen?

The rooster is the head of the flock, who takes care of all the hens, and at the right time tramples each of them. This cannot be prevented, otherwise he will become aggressive. This also applies to other males. However, fertilization is preceded by a courtship ritual.The male walks near the female and lowers one wing. Then the birds mate:

1. The hen lies down on the ground, after which the rooster climbs onto her, while grabbing the feathers on the back of her head.
2. He stomps around for some time, looking for the female’s cloaca in order to come into contact with her.
3. If everything is done correctly, the rooster's seminal fluid enters the hen's genital tract, where it remains.
4. Sperm remain active for 20 days, during which all eggs laid will be fertilized.

The whole process happens very quickly. Therefore, a rooster sometimes tramples hens up to 22 times per day. This number depends on the age of the bird and the time of year.

How are eggs fertilized?

After the mature egg enters the oviduct, it is fertilized in its upper part. Several sperm may enter the egg, but in the end the entire process occurs with the help of one. The yolk grows, and then, with the help of special glands, the white is formed. Next comes the subshell membrane and, in fact, the shell, consisting of calcium.

How can you tell if an egg is fertilized?

Chickens lay eggs even if the eggs are not fertilized. Therefore, if you want to get chicks, you need to check each one. To do this, it is enough to illuminate the egg using 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’s better to take white ones; brown ones don’t show through well.

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

Possible problems

With improper care or unfavorable external conditions, problems with fertilization are possible.

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 pruned on time. Chicken wounds are immediately disinfected using any available product, even ordinary peroxide will do. Then lubricate with wound healing ointment; if there is no special one, take the drug for people. Until complete recovery, the hen is separated from the rooster to prevent further injury.

What to do if the rooster does not impregnate 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 ones will not be suitable either;
• new environment, unfamiliar chickens;
• stress (noise, improper temperature or lighting, poor food);
• genetics - hermaphrodite roosters are not capable of reproduction.

If it is a matter of age, then it is enough to replace the old rooster or wait until the young one reaches puberty. Birds also always need time to get used to their surroundings. 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 fertile birds, and a rooster is capable of fertilizing a large number of females, and in suitable conditions, embryos develop in almost all eggs.