Fertilized eggs are a problem

[farmersash]

Hi-

I have a small flock here in the city. 3 roosters and 140 hens for egg production. Lately I have been getting too many fertilized eggs in the packed dozens. The ladies are strictly for egg and I don't want to freak my guests out by selling them eggs with a small developed fetus inside. 1 roo is from my original flock and then someone threw over the fence 2 others. One is a polish crested and not sure of the other. Just a red. My older roo is really nice and I would hate to cull him out. The polish is so pretty but they are all mating and its causing problems with the eggs. They are not fighting or beating up then hens at all.

Currently we are harvesting 4 doz a day and the new batch of chicks should start laying in June and that will basically double egg production. We are harvesting eggs twice a day to keep them fresh and clean.

What should I do?

 

[Judy]

As long as you collect all the eggs daily, you will not have any surprises when the egg is cracked open. I would say that if you find one that may have been hidden for a few days, keep it for yourself. For it to begin development, though, it must be incubated, which in the chicken yard means a broody hen is sitting on it 24/7.

I have eaten fertilized eggs for many ears and have yet to open one and find a half developed chick. However, on the occasion I have found a hidden nest that could have been there for days, I dont open those....

 

[donrae]

How are you telling the eggs are fertile? I still have a hard time telling after I crack an egg open, after 25 years. I can't imagine the average egg customer could ever tell. And I've also never had a partially developed chick in an egg. Meat and blood spots, yes, but those have nothing to do with fertilization.

 

[bobbi-j]

Judy and Donrae have good points. Are you seeing meat and blood spots, maybe? I have also been raising chickens for years and eating fertilized eggs. I can't tell the difference with a casual glance. You will not have partially developed chicks if you are collecting twice a day.