breeding question-- need info

[backyard clucker]

I just put a trio together and would like to know how many days it takes before I can be sure the eggs are firtle by this rooster. These hens have been running with 3 other roosters before today and I have been told a hens eggs stay fertle for 7 days after breeding, is this true. Any info is helpful. Thanks Doug

 

[Ridgerunner]

For sure the hens could be fertile by the old rooster for two weeks. At three weeks the odds are pretty good it is by the new rooster, but people have posted that eggs have been fertile for as much as 3-1/2 weeks. So the answer to be sure is four weeks.

 

[Goose and Fig]

Second that. 4 weeks to be safe.

 

[mom2chicksandpups]

How long does it take for them to start laying fertile eggs after a rooster is introduced for the first time?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Usually three days after mating. Just because they are introduced does not necessarily mean mating has occurred. The rooster has to assert his dominance, flock dynamics have to be worked out, and the rooster has limited capabilities. He may not be able to get to all the hens the first day, even if he is able to establish dominance immediately.

Here's a link that shows what a fertile egg looks like when it is cracked. Of course, once it is cracked, you can't hatch it but you can be assured the others laid by that hen are fertile.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=16008