Are These Eggs Fertile or Infertile?

[TheLukeMeister]

My silkie chicken laid these eggs (yes at the same time) earlier this morning and I can't tell if they are fertile. I do have a rooster but he's young and so is the hen.






Anyone have any idea?

 

[nchls school]

How young are the silkies?

 

[TheLukeMeister]

How young are the silkies?

They are about 5 1/2 months old and have been laying for about 1 1/2 weeks.

 

[nchls school]

They are about 5 1/2 months old and have been laying for about 1 1/2 weeks.

I have never had much luck trying to determine if fresh eggs are fertile or not. I've always incubated some eggs for several days and then candled them to see if an embryo was forming. My silkies are sexually mature at six months; able to produce fertile eggs. My serama mature much faster, roosters able to fertilize eggs at three months. However, I've found that the embryos do not live long enough to hatch until the parent stock is a few months older. In short, the eggs may be fertile, but the birds not mature enough for their eggs to hatch.

 

[TheLukeMeister]

I have never had much luck trying to determine if fresh eggs are fertile or not. I've always incubated some eggs for several days and then candled them to see if an embryo was forming. My silkies are sexually mature at six months; able to produce fertile eggs. My serama mature much faster, roosters able to fertilize eggs at three months. However, I've found that the embryos do not live long enough to hatch until the parent stock is a few months older. In short, the eggs may be fertile, but the birds not mature enough for their eggs to hatch.

Alright. So at about 9 months I can try to hatch them?

And back to the question, does anyone know if they are fertile or infertile?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I think they are fertile. The "bullseye" folks look for is that white spot. As the egg is a little older will form a clear ring making the classic bullseye. These are day old eggs right? Crack one that's 3-5 days and I bet you see it.

 

[TheLukeMeister]

Quote:

I think they are fertile. The "bullseye" folks look for is that white spot. As the egg is a little older will form a clear ring making the classic bullseye. These are day old eggs right? Crack one that's 3-5 days and I bet you see it.

Ah, okay. Yeah I cracked them open a couple hours after they were laid cause I got hungry

XD Okay I will!

 

[nchls school]

Alright. So at about 9 months I can try to hatch them?

And back to the question, does anyone know if they are fertile or infertile?

I certainly would not wait to see if they would hatch; do so now if you wish. Just don't be too disappointed if they do not hatch. Good luck.

 

[TheLukeMeister]

I certainly would not wait to see if they would hatch; do so now if you wish. Just don't be too disappointed if they do not hatch. Good luck.

Alright. Thanks!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Those are absolutely fertile.