How long are fertile eggs laid after hens leave rooster?

[PouleChick]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hatching-eggs-101.64195/

Thanks again @aart - so dont' get why that is not searchable - I think because it is a heading rather than a title of an article (sorry I run a forum so over think these things!).

Even if you choose not to build or buy an incubator, please read "Hatching Eggs 101". Lots of useful information there, including candling an egg, ideal storage conditions prior to setting eggs, and the list goes on and on. There are also articles and threads dedicated to broody hatching.

OK so thanks to aart I managed to find this info and in the info I found about rooster sperm living times (why couldn't I find this when I was searching for it ) and i'm hugely excited to have found this : Spermatozoa from the cockerel are stored in "sperm nests" located within the infundibulum and are capable of fertilizing ova for up to 30 days after mating. it gets better

 

[aart]

Thanks again @aart - so dont' get why that is not searchable - I think because it is a heading rather than a title of an article (sorry I run a forum so over think these things!).

I found it by searching 'articles' and clicking 'titles only' and 'relevance'.
Search function here is not great,
even worse since new platform,
almost better to use google to find stuff here.

 

[PouleChick]

I found it by searching 'articles' and clicking 'titles only' and 'relevance'.
Search function here is not great,
even worse since new platform,
almost better to use google to find stuff here.

And here was I thinking I was being forum supportive (totally get all the angst forum owners have to deal with!) by only searching on here

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm always asking folks to read HE101, yet, I have a hard time finding it myself!

 

[PouleChick]

Maybe you should put a link to it in your signature then we can all find it all the time @lazy gardener

 

[rebrascora]

Whilst sperm can stay vital for 30 days, I would think that might be towards the maximum duriation, so I would be inclined to keep the eggs that are being laid now if they appear fertile rather than delaying and finding fertility has tailed off earlier than anticipated. Presumably you read in the article about turning the eggs you are saving to hatch. Personally I don't think a constant temp is that important. If they were sitting in a nest in a natural situation, they would cool overnight and warm through the day. That said, you are right that it is not worth risking a frost that might freeze them.
As regards putting fake eggs in the nest and only having two, you could always just put half a dozen store bought eggs in the nest to try to encourage her to broodiness. A nest full of eggs is more likely to work than just two..... or golf balls if you have some, but eggs are cheaper to buy than golf balls.

 

[lazy gardener]

Maybe you should put a link to it in your signature then we can all find it all the time @lazy gardener

I would be glad to, but would have to pay for premium membership in order to do so. Yes, it would make life easier for me and a lot of readers, but, I'm not willing to pay for that privilege.

As regards putting fake eggs in the nest and only having two, you could always just put half a dozen store bought eggs in the nest to try to encourage her to broodiness. A nest full of eggs is more likely to work than just two..... or golf balls if you have some, but eggs are cheaper to buy than golf balls.

Might even want to hard boil those eggs!!

 

[PouleChick]

I'll pick up some cheap eggs and hardboil them tomorrow (I've only got farmers eggs in).