Coop Issue

[tw8man]

Okay, so I have three silkies (2 hens/1 roo) and three laying hens. I want to put them all together in the same coop but will the silkie roo fertilize the laying hen's eggs? Also, how many out of the silkie's eggs willbe fertilized (an estimate)?

 

[0wen]

1 roo can easily keep all 5 hens fertilized. He'll likely mate all of your hens...

 

[Hrairoo]

He may not mate with your laying hens if they are a more aggressive breed and they don't accept him! Also be a bit careful when mixing docile breeds with aggressive breeds, like silkies and Rhode Island Reds or hybrids...

In theory however, a roo can easily make sure all eggs from 5 hens are fertile!

 

[tw8man]

He may not mate with your laying hens if they are a more aggressive breed and they don't accept him! Also be a bit careful when mixing docile breeds with aggressive breeds, like silkies and Rhode Island Reds or hybrids...

In theory however, a roo can easily make sure all eggs from 5 hens are fertile!

So, will I be getting any eggs? Do I need to keep him separate from my hens until I want the eggs to be fertilized?

 

[Hrairoo]

You should get eggs no matter what, unless they are ill or stressed. Keep the roo with them, you'l just get fertile eggs no matter what if they mate! I just know that my gals tend to mainly let roos mate with them when the rooster overpowers them....

 

[tw8man]

You should get eggs no matter what, unless they are ill or stressed. Keep the roo with them, you'l just get fertile eggs no matter what if they mate! I just know that my gals tend to mainly let roos mate with them when the rooster overpowers them....

Okay! So, do you know, on average, how many times the eggs are fertile?

 

[Hrairoo]

I think it's about 95% if your roo is doing a good job, but I think 8% (or more) usually wont hatch.

 

[tw8man]

I think it's about 95% if your roo is doing a good job, but I think 8% (or more) usually wont hatch.

Well, I am wanting to get fertilized eggs from my silkies, but get eggs for eating from my laying hens. And I really don't want to have to get a whole new coop. I would be fine with separating the roo because I wouldn't need a big coop, but I want to do what is easiest and best.

 

[Hrairoo]

You can eat fertilized eggs!!!! Just don't let the hens sit on the eggs if you want to eat them

 

[tw8man]

You can eat fertilized eggs!!!! Just don't let the hens sit on the eggs if you want to eat them

Really? I didn't know that!