I have 2 hens separate from the flock (I'm guessing I'll do it for about 2 weeks) because I want them to get rid of their random fertilized eggs from whatever rooster (I have 5). I plan on putting their "mates" with them once I think their eggs are no longer fertile so I can get purebred eggs but...what if they don't lay many (or any) eggs in these 2 weeks? Will I still be ok after this 2 week "cleaning out" period. It's only been 2 days, I realize they may be a little stressed, but they haven't laid any eggs yet. Any advise would be helpful.
I would wait the entire 21 days "just in case" if that makes a difference to you. And don't worry whether or not they lay eggs. Just keep 'em separated from the roos you don't want mated to them.
Good question. I was wondering the same. How long do they stay fertilized, is it 21 days? So if I currently have mixed hens and roo's, I should seperate them for 21 days and then introduce the roo with the hens that I want the cross or have purebred chicks?
I always put the rooster I wanted in with the hen right away and then waited 2 weeks. I did this for 30 years and never had chicks the wrong color from earlier roosters. Hens can carry viable sperm a long time if no new rooster is with them to flush out the old stuff. Just my way but it works for me.
We've already done our match-ups in our breeding pens. Our March hatching season is approaching. We allow 3 weeks minimum for the new match-ups. The new groupings need to settle in relationally as well. Of course, the eggs are fine to collect and eat during the settling period. If we don't collect hatching eggs for month, that is all the better. When you wait all year for your spring mating season, there's no need to hatch out eggs of which you are suspect. No, no.
