for the experts? sperm rfetention?

[bandbaustin]

I have a swinhoe hen that I discovered sitting on six eggs. however her mate was killed halfway through this winter. Is it possible these eggs have a chance at being fertile? I took them and put inm the incubator cause I picked her up a new mate at Mt. hope yesterday.

 

[Tony K T]

Time will tell.If your male was breeding her,she should be fertile.Is this a usual time for her to lay?Half way thru the winter sounds off key,but it would also depend on your climate.Were they in a covered pen with heat?I am still waiting for my hen to lay her first egg of the season.Last year she didn't lay until 4/10,the year before 3/29.I can wait,there are plenty of other hens laying and an edwards male,yes male setting on 4 eggs.Guess that's one way of getting away from the hens.
In N.H.,Tony.