Fertilized eggs with free range chickens?

[mikenandrea]

ok.. My question is.. If I let my chickens free range, how will I get fertilized eggs? Does the "mating" happen while they are in the coop for the night?
Sorry if this questions seems like a dumb one. But I seriously dont know..

 

[jqs birds]

Your rooster will get the job done even if they are free range.

 

[hinkjc]

Eggs can be fertilized whether they are in the coop or out on range, as long as you have a rooster.

 

[mikenandrea]

So I guess this means they pretty much stay in a group when they out and about?

 

[cherig22]

Usually, but the roo will do his job throughout the day. The coop at night is for sleeping.

Cheri

 

[Uppity Peon]

Chickens are not bashful about it. They will do it in broad daylight in front of God and everyone.

 

[Uppity Peon]

Oh, ... and a hen only needs to be mated once to lay a whole clutch of fertile eggs.

 

[thebritt]

I've noticed that often, when a roo calls the hens over to eat something he's found, he feels entitled to "do his roosterly duty" to whichever
hen(s) he can catch!

 

[Buckhorn Farm]

Quote:

 

[yogachickens]

My question is: The second a fertilized egg is laid, does it have a blood speck in it? Years ago, health food people actually wanted fertilized eggs.

I'm just starting. I have a rooster but was going to keep him by himself when I get my hens.

any advice is appreciated.