MadSci Network: Zoology
Query:

Re: how do roosters and hens mate?

Date: Mon Aug 21 10:58:54 2000
Posted By: Lyle Burgoon, Grad student, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
Area of science: Zoology
ID: 961473227.Zo
Message:

Hello Blair,

Roosters and hens mate in a somewhat different way than mammals.  Birds 
have a part that is called the cloaca.  The cloaca is a structure that 
accepts excretory products from the intestines and the urinary systems.  
The cloaca also accepts products from the reproductive systems.  So, 
basically what occurs in birds, is that there must be cloacal contact 
between the rooster and the hen.  

Before this can occur, the rooster and hen go through a complex courtship 
ritual, in which the hen essentially "grades" the rooster, and determines 
if he is a suitable mate.

Then the cloacal contact occurs, and the sperm from the rooster travels to 
the place where the eggs are in the hen.  An egg is fertilized, and after 
some time, the hen lays her eggs.

Thanks for your question.

Lyle D. Burgoon



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