could these eggs be fertile?

[gagesgramps]

we gave our rooster away, about 6 days later one of the hens went broody. she's sittin on 6 eggs. could they hatch?
thanks in advance for your help, gagesgramps

 

[One Chick Two]

Yes, there is a possibility- in some cases fertility can be up a few weeks after the hen mated the rooster.

 

[subhanalah]

This is interesting. I wonder if the loss of the cock bird is what flicked the switch in her little body "male is gone, must propagate the species!"

 

[gagesgramps]

update,well 4 more of the hens went broody. today i saw our first baby chick. will the mother take care of it or should i intervene? what about food, will the other chickens eat the baby chick food? these are buff orpingtons by the way.