Fertile eggs?

[ChickenPeep]

Hey all!
I have 3 cocks and 4 pullets. We really need some more pullets. I'd rather hatch chicks them than buy them because i want them to adapt young, and because i love my cocks and id love to se a mix of them and the pullets. However, we dont have a broody, and ive heard that they wont go broody for several years.

So, i htought id would be fun to incubate some!!
now, the only problems with that are, we are a very busy family, and if we dont get fertile eggs, it will be an EXTREME waist if time!
So, my question narrows down to: How do i know if my eggs are fertile without cracking them open? Also, What do fertile eggs look like cracked open? Does anyone have a pic?
Thanks!!

 

[happyhens120]

I'm pretty new at this so this might not be the best answer, but when I incubate mine there's really no way I can tell from candling or just by looking at the eggs. I wait a week before candling again, and then I can tell the ones that are viable and most that aren't. I don't get rid of any until 10 + days just to make sure.
Best of luck!

 

[ChickenPeep]

Thanks happy hens! Do you have any idea how much a self-turning incubator might cost?

 

[clairabean]

I don't think there is a way to tell. But 3 roos to 4 hens...?

Yup, they are probably fertile.

How do your hens keep up with all the roos'... ummm.... manliness?

 

[AFChick]

Quote:
Inquiring minds want to know

 

[ChickenPeep]

Quote:
We have them seperated. 2 roos that get along together on one side, and ann the hens and 1 roo on the other side!

 

[ChickenPeep]

Oh, another question! What does a fertile egg look like cracked open? Does anyone have a pic of it?

 

[clairabean]

:d

 

[clairabean]

No picture, but there would be a bullseye, or something. I am awful at determining, though, so maybe someone else will pipe up.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If most eggs you crack are fertile, most of the ones you don't crack are fertile.

If you cannot see the bull's eye, try turning the egg over gently with a spoon. It may be on the bottom.

Fertile Egg Photos
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=16008&p=6