Some background...I have a group of Coturnix quail. This past weekend I separated the group to pick my breeders and let the remaining males grow out for butchering. So I have 7 females and 2 males in one section. I know that isn't the ideal ratio but I only had 7 females and I really want to keep both males for their different coloring. (I am keeping a close eye out for signs of fighting or stress. So far so good.) They are all about 8 1/2 weeks old. The females have been laying since just before they turned 6 weeks old.
On to my questions...I would like to start collecting eggs for hatching. I have witnessed mating but when I crack open eggs I don't see any bulls-eyes. Does this mean they aren't fertile? Do I have to wait until the boys are older and know better what they are doing?
I know that I should pick eggs that aren't super dirty and have no cracks. I also know I shouldn't wash the eggs. Is wiping them off with a dry paper towel okay?
On to my questions...I would like to start collecting eggs for hatching. I have witnessed mating but when I crack open eggs I don't see any bulls-eyes. Does this mean they aren't fertile? Do I have to wait until the boys are older and know better what they are doing?
I know that I should pick eggs that aren't super dirty and have no cracks. I also know I shouldn't wash the eggs. Is wiping them off with a dry paper towel okay?
