Another New Member from Georgia

[SWES]

I have 3 hens and one rooster. Have the hens since they were one day old. I never thought I could love a pet as much as I do my chickens. I have lots of questions!

 

[SWES]

Don't know if I am doing this thread correctly!

My questions, my Sweetie just laid her first eggs. How soon after a chicken starts laying eggs can they lay fertilized eggs? How old before a Rooster can fertilize the eggs? My rooster has been on top of Sweetie, so just wondering are they getting a feel for it or are they still too young. They are about 20 weeks old. He hasn't even cock-a doodle-doed yet!

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. Since your rooster already tread Sweetie, it's possible the eggs are fertilized.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[SWES]

Welcome to BYC. Since your rooster already tread Sweetie, it's possible the eggs are fertilized.

So they could have chicks as soon as they start laying?
She doesn't seem interested in the eggs, unfortunately I am at work and haven't had the opportunity to observe what is going on.
I only saw him once on her and he was very gentle compared to what I've heard. I am only assuming these eggs are hers because she is the only one I saw sitting in the box. But I am at work all day and I don't know what is going on when I'm not there. She is also the only one that the rooster (Tito) stands up too. The other two still chase him around. So, if she doesn't stay sitting on the eggs, if they are fertile, she's just not interested in a family now because she is still young? Looks like she lays them and leaves. Thank for you answers, I'm sure I'll have many more questions. They are so interesting!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome!

I'm glad you joined our BYC "flock"!

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Hello

and Welcome to BYC!

Glad to have you join! Feel free to make yourself at home!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! There are some nice articles in the Learning Center on Broody Hens you might like to check out https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-and-raising-chicks

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Good luck to you! Cute avatar!

 

[drumstick diva]

What breed is Sweety? Not all breeds go broody (want to hatch eggs). Some breeds known for "Broodiness", silkies, cochins, buff orpingtons, some of the game birds.

If she is NOT eager for chicks, you would have to hatch them in an incubator. Maybe another hen will be a sitter.