How to Increase Fertility in Chickens

In July I wrote an article on how to tell if a chicken egg was fertile. That’s assuming you have a rooster. But what do you do if you have a roo, and all your eggs are unfertilized? What does that mean? Well, it could mean a number of things. Since reproduction depends on both the hen and the rooster, we’ll look at fertility issues in both. After that we’ll explore how to increase fertility in chickens.

Did you know that rooster sperm can be viable inside the hen for 2 to 3 weeks depending on the breed? And the hen can store multiple roosters’ sperm in something called sperm storage tubules (SSTs). Additionally, it’s been said that roosters can mate 10 to 30 times per day. But I think that’s also breed dependent, simply because some breeds can be more aggressive, even romantically.

Reasons for Low Fertility in Roosters: Physical

These types of fertility issues have nothing to do with the chicken farmer or keeper. On the other hand, they’re inherent to the rooster, with him physically or with his mannerisms, such as

• roosters with single combs are more fertile in contrast to rose comb and walnut comb roosters. Though pea comb roos have better fertility as well. However they’re still not as fertile as single comb roosters.
• Age also affects fertility. According to several articles, the quality of sperm and mating itself declines as roosters age. So the older the rooster, the less fertile he’s going to be. In contrast, the more dominant rooster is also less likely to be as fertile. But he’s the one the gals want to be with. It’s quite the conundrum.
• In addition, hens choose the rooster that has the largest comb. Although I’m not sure if that means he’s more fertile or less, since you can find articles supporting both theories.
• Roosters that are too docile might have issues getting the deed done. Personally I have some roosters that are docile with us, but they don’t have any problems doing their business with their ladies, especially the young guys.
• Additionally, roosters that are too small to mount the hen or hens will have problems copulating.
• Molting causes roosters to slow down and rest. But did you know it also reduces sperm production, according NCBI?
• Lack of sperm competition and agglutination. For fertilization to occur in many species, sperm need to be moving unhindered. Although sperm agglutination is the opposite of that, because the sperm are literally stuck to each other. Thus, it restrains sperm mobility. However, sperm agglutination in chickens helps fertilization rather than hindering it. You can read the full article in Nature Briefing here.
• and If a roo plays favorites with the hens, not all the gals will be serviced. Therefore, that will inevitably lead to fertility issues, just because he’s neglecting some hens.

What Causes Low Fertility in Hens: Functional

Next, we’ll look at low fertility involving hens. And these deal with functional issues just as the previous ones did with the roosters.

• Blocked cloaca

Unlike ducks, chickens don’t have appendages. They only have cloacas that briefly touch, often called the cloacal kiss. Thus, if there are too many feathers in the way or the hens have dirty bottoms, sperm will not make it to the egg. Or the cloacas won’t even touch. Therefore, if you have some fluffy butted or dirty bottomed hens, just trim their feathers around the vent area.

• Age

In both hens and roosters, age plays a factor in fertility. So, the younger they both are, the more fertile. And the opposite is also true. I told my husband, that if we’re going to keep incubating, we have to do something about our aging flock. Megs is the dominant roo, and his girls are also getting older. Thus, their eggs have very recently been mostly infertile.

• Molting

Again, both hens and roosters molt. And it’s a time for the feathers to re-grow and for the birds to rest, which means egg laying will stop for a time.

• Sperm storage tubules (SSTs)

There have been multiple studies on hens, how long sperm is stored, and the SSTs. In 2020 it was discovered that too many fatty acids had a negative effect on sperm storage in the female reproductive tract and fertility in general. Another study, mentioned in Nature Briefing, showed that when hens were artificially inseminated with either high or low sperm mobility from various roosters, the sperm from the first roosters ended up fertilizing most of the eggs. Therefore, low mobility sperm can reach the SSTs and still fertilize some eggs. However, as of yet, there are no solid suggestions on how to overturn these issues.

• and Cryptic female choice

Hens have the final say in who fathers their offspring. Consequently, to prevent inbreeding where multiple roosters are involved, hens will select the rooster that is not related to them. Also, exosomes are produced in the mucosal tissue of the hen’s vagina which significantly reduce sperm viability if mating is forced. As a result, if the hen doesn’t like the rooster, she has a lot to say about how well things will turn out. And if you’re getting infertile eggs, it could be due to the hen’s preferences.

Reasons for Low Fertility in Both Roosters and Hens: Animal Husbandry

Since these causes of low fertility are the same for both hens and roos, I’m combining them under the same heading. Additionally, most of these issues can be prevented, because they’re management issues and under our direct control.

• Breeding for genetic selection

Altering some traits decreases libido and thus, lowers fertility.

• Diet

Too much, not enough, starving your birds with a particular diet, or just plain feeding the wrong kind of feed will all cause fertility issues for your chickens.

• Not enough daylight

During shorter daylight seasons your birds will not mate as much or be as fertile. For example, hens will lay less eggs during the shorter days of fall and winter.

• Chronic illness or injury

Any disease or injury not soon addressed will take its toll on any bird. And if it’s a disease and not taken care of, it can spread to other members of the flock, greatly upsetting fertility.

• Crowding or lack of perching or nesting sites

Space issues could also fall under any kind of stress. Plus, these problems are more evident in commercial flocks than in backyard birds. However, if your birds are crowded, it creates stress and could result in disease, which affects fertility.

• Vaccinations

In British Poultry Science, Volume 48, 2007, it was revealed that cockerels vaccinated for infectious bronchitis had reduced fertility.

• Hen to rooster ratio

For the purpose of maintaining a flock, it’s typically 1 rooster per 10 to 12 hens. But for breeders and depending on the breed, you need young, virile roosters. So in some cases it’s recommended 2 roos per 10 to 12 hens. But watch out for the hens’ backs.

• Not enough water

Because water is used in most bodily processes, chickens included, it’s essential to all life. Although, if it’s hot out, chickens won’t drink water unless it’s cool and fresh. Therefore, they can quickly get dehydrated, which can affect their health and thus, fertility.

• and Stress of any kind

Predators, loud noises, pollution, heat stress and cold stress would all fall under stress of any kind. And they all can affect fertility in one way or another, whether with egg issues in the hen or actual fertilization problems with the rooster.

How to Increase Fertility in Chickens

Given that chicken is a popular food, I wouldn’t be surprised if my lists weren’t exhaustive. It just means that scientists are still trying to crack the code on chicken fertility. But now that I’ve covered some issues both hens and roosters might face regarding infertility, ways to increase fertility include

• don’t get rid of your rooster just yet

If your rooster doesn’t happen to have one of the high fertility combs, like single or pea, what do you do? Well, the next question is, how old is he?

• add new roosters

Since under 1 year old is viewed as the most fertile age, if your roo is over a year old and doesn’t sport the most fertile style comb, consider getting new roos. Maybe even get one with a single comb. In addition, having different, younger roosters will inspire sperm competition during mating and help with fertility. See sperm competition under roosters.

• keep vent areas clean

Make sure hens vent areas aren’t blocked by poo or feathery bottoms.

• how old are your hens

Invest in more layers if your hens aren’t laying any more or as much. Don’t just incubate; actually purchase some from a reputable breeder to bring in new genes.

• provide commercial breeder feed with essential vitamins, proteins, and minerals

Breeder feed contains slightly more protein than standard layer feed, which improves development and fertility.

• add artificial light to your coop during seasonal daylight changes

This is entirely up to you whether you add light to your coop or not. But, when your birds molt, it’s a time for them to rest, recharge, and regrow feathers. Just be sure to feed them appropriately.

• practice good biosecurity

Inspect your flock for illness and injury on a regular basis. Moreover, examine the coop for damage and necessary repairs. These are quick assessments, designed to note any possible danger to the flock. Also, don’t allow anyone in the coop, run, or in the flock’s yard who has their own separate flock, or who works with poultry.

• make sure each bird has enough space

Whether your chickens are pasture-raised or not determines the amount of space they require. Though most people agree that each bird should have 3 – 4 sq ft in the coop, including plenty of perches and nesting boxes. And the birds need 5 – 10 sq ft each in the run, depending on if they are ever let out to roam. If the chickens are pasture-raised, then at least 108 sq ft per bird is needed for roaming.

• provide fresh, clean water daily

Have multiple water stations for your birds. And in the summer heat, fill them with ice to prevent your birds from getting dehydrated.

• and lastly, be aware that stress affects fertility

There’s not much you can do about noises or the weather affecting your birds. However pollution that could affect backyard chickens is ammonia from their droppings. Plus, if you can smell it in your coop, then it either indicates a ventilation issue, or it’s past time to clean the coop. Furthermore, in the event you’re taking care of your birds, but there’s extreme heat outside, you’re just not likely to get as many fertilized eggs.

In Conclusion

We know that both hens and roosters share responsibility for fertility. In addition, fertility in both continues to be studied, given that chicken is popular and economical worldwide. Even though chicken infertility has many causes, including functional and management, there are ways to combat it. Feeding your birds the correct feed, providing fresh, clean water daily, and checking them and their houses on a regular basis should be a given. Doing those minimal tasks goes a long way in helping your birds. Despite that, when fertility drops, add more roosters and hens, with the proper ratios.

Have you ever noticed fertility issues with your flock? How did you handle it? I mentioned earlier that Megatron is our dominant rooster. And I’ve also noticed that fertility has dropped. But I can’t help wondering if it’s the heat or a fertility issue. I know that before the younger boys were introduced, Megatron was slowing down with a lot of things. However, he got very busy once they took an interest in his business. Of the 3 adult roosters, Ravage would be considered the cat’s meow. He has the biggest, reddest comb. And he has been graciously accepted into Meg’s flock, whereas Mystogan, Ravage’s brother, has not. Megatron allows Ravage to handle most of the issues in the yard. I suspect most of the chicks we have thus far are Ravage’s offspring and not Meg’s.

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