Breeding questions

[mom of silkies]

Does anyone know after you put a rooster in with hens how long it will take until they are fertile? -thanks for your help!

 

[sourland]

Roughly 3 days after he breeds a hen her eggs should be fertile. Prior to that any eggs laid are already 'in process' and PROBABLY too far along to be fertilized.

 

[mom of silkies]

Roughly 3 days after he breeds a hen her eggs should be fertile. Prior to that any eggs laid are already 'in process' and PROBABLY too far along to be fertilized.

So how long until she's laying only fertile eggs?

 

[sourland]

Hens can retain sperm for up to 3 weeks after a rooster has been removed from the flock. Once mated they should remain fertile for a minimum of two weeks given that the rooster has high fertility.

 

[mom of silkies]

Thank you for the info sourland!