fertility in old birds

[keystonepaul]

Well I have a cock as part of a package- thrown in for free due to his age- He'll be 14 in January or so. I've read some threads here, articles other places, etc, etc, etc on how to improve/maintain fertility. He's supposed to be still filling eggs. He's got a lot of charecter and..we'll...if he's not able to fill eggs... it seems no one's told him yet. Anyway- I'll be starting my pre-breeding program- increasing protien, calcium, etc in advance of breeding him. and am wondering if anyone has a "process" or a "system" they use for increasing or maintaing fertility. I've read various threads,etc, and have my vit. E, yeast, etc. but I'll really be creating my own systematic method so to speak and am just wondering if anyone here can share thier steps for maintaining/increasing fertility. (of thier pigeons) The threads here and other places basicly just offered thoughts on "try this." or "this aids in fertility"
etc. Thanks, Keystonepaul

[Lovelace]

Let him get all the sun he can and when he wonts, through a couple hens with him and let him chose his own mate. it may take a some time, give hem a year.
If he is to the point were he can't keep his weight up, then he is no longer any good.

[Big T]

Another thing is foster. He and his mate can raise other's eggs. Then your best cock and hen can lay two more eggs.

Tony

[keystonepaul]

Thanks Lovelace and Tony. Tony he may be my best cock (at least on paper) since this will be my first go round. I do wonder how long I would have gone before fostering eggs under him if you hadn't mentioned it if turns out he can't breed. Thanks...
Lovelace-he's built like a B52 bomber which may also play against him in terms of his leg strength, full cloacal contact, etc. We'll see........ thanks Keystonepaul

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by keystonepaul

Well I have a cock as part of a package- thrown in for free due to his age- He'll be 14 in January or so. I've read some threads here, articles other places, etc, etc, etc on how to improve/maintain fertility. He's supposed to be still filling eggs. He's got a lot of charecter and..we'll...if he's not able to fill eggs... it seems no one's told him yet. Anyway- I'll be starting my pre-breeding program- increasing protien, calcium, etc in advance of breeding him. and am wondering if anyone has a "process" or a "system" they use for increasing or maintaing fertility. I've read various threads,etc, and have my vit. E, yeast, etc. but I'll really be creating my own systematic method so to speak and am just wondering if anyone here can share thier steps for maintaining/increasing fertility. (of thier pigeons) The threads here and other places basicly just offered thoughts on "try this." or "this aids in fertility"
etc. Thanks, Keystonepaul

You have a wonderful noble bird there, please don't discard him if he can't breed or be a surrogate, as he not worthless.

I would give him a garlic soft gel cap for a week (laced in a drop of Neem oil), an alfalfa tablet (for calcium and other minerals), cut in pieces for a week then every two days. He sould have lots of protein in his diet as well as a variety of seed/grains and kale, carrots, and other lettuces given in small amounts. Sunshine will provide all the necessary nutrients like vita D3 that he needs as well as for the other birds (calcium absorption may become an issue as they get older so if he doesn't get enough sun, get him a supplement). Allow him to bathe freely and have lots of time to adjust to his new surroundings before putting him to work. Don't forget the ACV in the water and probiotics.

If he is not useful to you, please find him a good retirement home where e can live out his years.

[keystonepaul]

Thanks Treesa, noble is a good way to describe him. He be well taken care of by me regardless of whether he is able to produce or not. He gives the loft charecter and swagger. Thanks, Keystonepaul

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by keystonepaul

Thanks Treesa, noble is a good way to describe him. He be well taken care of by me regardless of whether he is able to produce or not. [He gives the loft charecter and swagger. Thanks, Keystonepaul

I am sure of that, AND I'm betting he is class act.

God bless you for taking special care of him, imagine how much he has seen in his life...oh...if he could only talk.