Breeding Questions (timing, ec.)

[ninjapoodles]

OK, we are a world away from actually doing this, but I'm just wondering, so figured I'd ask.

Say you have a flock that contains a few different breeds, mostly hens with a few roosters, and you let them all range together because you're gathering all the eggs anyway, and don't care if the eggs are fertile or who's fertilizing them.

So a ways down the road, you decide you'd like to breed a particular hen or two to a particular rooster. Obviously you separate the breeding pair or trio (or whatever) so that the hen(s) only exposure is to one rooster...how long would you need to wait before collecting eggs to incubate, to ensure that the eggs you're getting are from your "chosen" rooster, and not anyone who came before?

Obviously, I am putting off doing housework and fixing dinner.

Belinda

 

[ninjapoodles]

Should I move this to a different forum? I didn't see one that really seemed to "fit" the topic.

???

Belinda

 

[seriousbill]

Hi. A hen can remain fertile for up to three weeks after mating. So, you'd need to keep her penned with the roo at least three weeks to be sure.

 

[ninjapoodles]

Thanks! So, a month would be nice and safe, then?

 

[speckledhen]

Yes, except in very rare instances, a month would be safe.