Hatching eggs sellers...question

[yotetrapper]

How long do your chickens need to be penned seperate in order to get true eggs? I believe I've heard it's 6 weeks. I'm assuming that's six weeks to guarantee pure breeds. How long until they're "most likely" pure? I have some that have been penned for 4 weeks, and am wondering if I hatch some will they most likely be true to breed?

Also do all of you who sell hatching eggs wait the full 6 weeks before selling?

Thanks

 

[MoodyChicken]

I've always been told 2-3 weeks, and that seems to be true. I'm sure you're fine.

 

[monarc23]

Atleast 4 weeks. I had proof that 3 1/2 weeks wasnt long enough

got 2 Orp x Ameraucanas (they were soo darn cute- I just rehomed them yesterday) out of a batch of Ameraucanas. I was fully aware I could get crosses since an orp roo was in the pen, but thinking it was only a half week away from being 4 weeks I said send em on and didnt care if I got a mix or two...it was still facinating to see it pop up!

 

[Krys109uk]

Generally one wouldn't need to wait anywhere near that long. The must have been low incidence of mating by the new male for such an occurrence. In the winter months things slow down in that area, if you know what I mean. Generally speaking, if you can see the male doing his job then the he is fertilising the eggs being laid at that time. Sperm is stored in the sperm nests but the freshest sperm is used first.

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I leave mine four weeks to be safe!

 

[MissPrissy]

I have seen far too many mix breed chicks in my day to take any risks. I let hens clean out 3 weeks before I put a different rooster on them.

 

[DawnSuiter]

Quote:
Is "sperm nest" the proper term?
I've read about this process.. that the male inseminates the female and she STORES the sperm, using it as needed to fertilize her eggs. AND.. that if a fertile female is removed from her male and NO replacement rooster is provided, that she can lay fertile eggs for up to 3 months on that stored sperm!!!!!

So with this in mind, it seems best to swap out to a new rooster right away but then to wait 3 weeks or so after they've started mating before you can count somewhat on the outcome.

 

[wilds of pa]

If I'm not wrong i believe a hen can expel stored sperm as well at any time

We've always had good results waiting at least 3-4 weeks.

Charlie

 

[DawnSuiter]

Quote:
eeeeew... expel? bad imagery

 

[wilds of pa]

I don't know for sure if its true, never actually seen it..

but i cant imagine see it...

Charlie