Breeding questions

[HardizzlesFlock]

I am getting a rooster soon for my 5 ladies. After how long with them being together can I start gathering their eggs into the incubator? If a chicken goes broody should I let her keep em? Please help!

 

[sourland]

Roughly 3 days after a rooster starts breeding hens their eggs will be fertile. Personally I love to let broody hens raise chicks - it's a lot less work for me. Depending upon where you are (if you have winter conditions) this may not be the optimum time to raise outside chicks.

 

[HardizzlesFlock]

Thank you@sourland I live in eastern washington and it is pretty cold still. How will I know when my rooster has bred with my hens?

 

[Wynette]

You will see him hop on the hens' backs & grab hold of their hackle feathers....and breed them.

Check this thread - there are pictures to show how to tell if an egg is fertile or infertile.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/16008/how-to-tell-a-fertile-vs-infertile-egg-pictures

 

[gander007]

If my hens go broody I am happy as they do much better

 

[showinbirds]

Some times when it's super cold like it has been, it takes a little extra time.