Hi everyone!

[Vitalchik]

I’m almost new to the hobby. I say almost new because it’s been over 40 years since I had been around chickens. So I’m a bit rusty but not a total lost. I’ve been back around chickens since the end of June and I hatched my first chicks which were born July 23rd. Now from what I’ve been reading on the internet it’s says that a rooster can not fertilize eggs until between 4 to 6 months old. I’ve had the newbies mix with the older ones since about 2 months old. To my surprise on October 3rd I crack some eggs and found 3 that seemed to be fertilized and now again about 4 days ago. Remember they were born on July 23. I didn’t think this was possible. Any input on this would be appreciated.

 

[N F C]

I've only ever had 1 rooster so not a lot of experience with fertile eggs but I would guess the ability to fertilize could vary from breed to breed (or even rooster to rooster). Others with more experience in that area should be here to say hello and give their input.

Thanks for joining us and welcome back to poultry!

 

[Vitalchik]

Thank you! I’m very excited to be back with the chicks. I remember how they made me smile and they still do

 

[Hope Hughes]

Welcome!!
It does vary with breed and rooster.
I have had rooster early and late when it comes to when they go fertile.
But like @N F C there will be more people with better information that will come along and comment.
Chickens are so soothing and entertaining to watch! ​

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC and back to poultry keeping. In my experience if they are old enough to do the deed, they are old enough to be fertile.

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Vitalchik Welcome!

Sorry, I have no rooster experience, we are not allowed to keep them.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. You have some great advice from NFC and Sourland, so I'll just say a big hello

 

[ronott1]

I’m almost new to the hobby. I say almost new because it’s been over 40 years since I had been around chickens. So I’m a bit rusty but not a total lost. I’ve been back around chickens since the end of June and I hatched my first chicks which were born July 23rd. Now from what I’ve been reading on the internet it’s says that a rooster can not fertilize eggs until between 4 to 6 months old. I’ve had the newbies mix with the older ones since about 2 months old. To my surprise on October 3rd I crack some eggs and found 3 that seemed to be fertilized and now again about 4 days ago. Remember they were born on July 23. I didn’t think this was possible. Any input on this would be appreciated.

To Backyard Chickens!

eggs will be fertile a couple of days after the rooster breeds them. Pullets will be as fertile as older hens(They are pullets until they are a year old). The only reason not to incubate pullet egg is that smaller eggs have a lower hatch rate.