Curious - when do I collect eggs for eating, and when should I incubate?

[disneyguy]

Hi BYC!

I hatched a group of chicks late April, and managed a rooster out of the mix. I have some really awesome chickens that I'd love to breed, I just have one question that apparently is a stupid one because I can't find the answer anywhere! Ready?

When the time comes, and "Captain Hook" is primed for breeding with the hens, how will I know which eggs are for eating and which eggs I should be incubating?

Thanks so much!

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Hi BYC!

I hatched a group of chicks late April, and managed a rooster out of the mix. I have some really awesome chickens that I'd love to breed, I just have one question that apparently is a stupid one because I can't find the answer anywhere! Ready?

When the time comes, and "Captain Hook" is primed for breeding with the hens, how will I know which eggs are for eating and which eggs I should be incubating?

Thanks so much!

What do you mean?
Do you mean how can you tell which are fertile and which aren't?
Flocks with roosters should have eggs that aren't going to be used right away stored in a cool, dry place.Like a Basment or Fridge.
You can't tell from the outside if they are Fertile or not, unless it is many days ahead.From what I learn, you might want to candle the eggs(you can use a flash-light in a dark room, and hold the egg up to the light)Before you eat them, to make sure there isn't a chick or veins forming.

 

[MartinsPoultry]

its all preference. I collect eggs and eat them or set for hatching. I have had a good hatch rate this year, for Guinea fowl.
What I would do is once he is wooing the ladies and you know its happened, collect the eggs save some for eating and set about half a dozen. See where it goes from there.

 

[disneyguy]

What do you mean?
Do you mean how can you tell which are fertile and which aren't?

Exactly - I just wonder how I'll know what eggs are fertile and will be set to hatch and what eggs won't be cooking up a chick.

What I would do is once he is wooing the ladies and you know its happened, collect the eggs save some for eating and set about half a dozen. See where it goes from there.

Awesome idea! Thanks!

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

You'll be able to check fertility when you've cracked them. Google "fertile egg blastoderm". You'll find lots of pictures of the bullseye indicating a fertilized egg.

As far as I know there is not a way to tell without cracking or setting them.

 

[bobbi-j]

It's likely all of your eggs will be fertile once your cockerel reaches sexual maturity and begins breeding your pullets. (I'm guessing none are laying yet?) However, chickens - unlike humans - don't begin to develop at the moment of fertilization. They will not start to develop until they have been incubated at approximately 100* f for at least 24 hours. So if you collect your eggs every day, you will not have to worry about cooking up a baby chick. Even if you collect every other day, unless you get a broody hen, you will not have to worry about it.

 

[disneyguy]

Even if you collect every other day, unless you get a broody hen, you will not have to worry about it.

Good to know! Thanks.