This time of the year when many of us are expecting our first round of youngsters to hatch, we are disappointed with some aspect of our breeding success.
Clear eggs tend to be the most prevalent in the first round or two.
These are the eggs which never begin development because of being infertile. The testicle in the cocks get quiescent during the shorter daylight periods. Breeding activity reawakens them and they begin producing sperm and testosterone at a higher level. While this process is under way, there is often a low sperm count and a lower sex drive in cocks. Frequently the breeding vigor and frequency is decreased as well a there being diminished sperm in the ejaculate.