Roosters in a flock

[Toby96]

I recently hatched a few chicks and got a male and a female, they are now about 16 weeks old and are living with the other 5 (2ish year old) female red sex links. The male has just started to crow occasionally and I saw him trying to mount a female, even though they still chase him a bit. Is there anything I should do while he grows up and gradually takes control? Should I start keeping eggs in the fridge now?
Thanks, Toby

 

[Amy's Animals]

No, just leave them alone and they should do fine. As for the eggs, where are you keeping them now?

 

[Toby96]

I keep them in the kitchen at room temperature, have looked into it and you should be careful putting them in the fridge as the shells are semi-porous and can absorb some bacteria that may have formed on meats/dairy products.
I heard you should keep them in a fridge if you have a rooster as it stops the embryo developing.

 

[Amy's Animals]

Toby,
What you heard about embryos developing at room temperature is an old wives tale. If that were true, who would have a need for incubators?

Eggs don't begin developing until they are at the right temperature (about 99.5 degrees fahrenheit) and humidity (about 50%) which can either be achieved under a chicken or in an incubator, they will stop developing/die when these conditions aren't met, so don't worry about having chicks jumping around your kitchen

You can continue keeping those eggs where you have them now

 

[Toby96]

Well I've learnt a lot! Thank You!

 

[Amy's Animals]

No problem

Have fun with your chickens