fertility

[callduckguy]

just curious on peoples experiences with fertility related to age in roosters.
how old can roosters be when their fertility starts to dip off?
do many people A.I birds or does it depend on the breed?
also, on hens, when do you start to see a dip in the hens ability to lay and produce?

I have just seen a tremendous flock of birds and the owner hasnt bred a bird in 4 years, and I am curious on the fertility of these birds before I purchase any.

any thoughts would be appreciated.

cheers from the north

[danhonour]

It depends on the breed and the condition of the birds. If they are healthy and active with exercise (free ranged-not caged),and not fat -heavy breeds.The females up to 10 yrs old ,if laying maybe alright for breeding if mated to cockerels.Males past 3 are sometimes fertile late spring and early summer if mated to 1 or 2 pullets.There are cases were very old males&females 20 years old producing good healthy chicks.