How long are they fertile?

[Jjdesmo11]

My sweet Salmond Faverolles rooster died yesterday after a stray rooster attacked him last week. I want to hatch his babies. How long are the eggs fertile? And how long will the hens keep popping out fertile eggs. It’s a bit of a last ditch effort. He died pretty suddenly. I bought a crappy 7 egg incubator. Won’t be here for a few days. Eggs have been stored at room temp. Please help

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The hens' eggs will be fertile with his semen for at least 2 weeks, sometimes longer. One precaution is that the stray rooster may breed them and then some eggs will be fertilized by that rooster.
I wouldn't try to hatch eggs that are over 10 days old if you can help it.
Storing eggs in a cool, humid space like a basement will keep them longer. You can wrap them in plastic to keep them from losing too much moisture. You must also turn the eggs several times a day.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thank you! Luckily I caught the rooster last week. And never saw him on the girls. I have a mini fridge and digital thermometer I have them in now. Read somewhere to keep in 55 degrees? I know it’s a long shot. I probably won’t get my incubator for a few days ( Amazon prime) and it’s a crappy one. But I’m sure as heck going to give it a try! I was going to hatch about a month ago but found chicks in the breed I wanted so I’m in a few incubator groups on fb. But the byc forum has the experts thx again!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You may find this read interesting.
https://www.pasreform.com/en/news/185/when-eggs-are-stored-too-long?query=storage
Here is more pre incubation storage info.
https://www.brinsea.com/articles/advice/EggStorage.aspx
I have also read from a reputable source that if you must store much longer than 10 days, storing small end up can help but I really think regular turning in a cool space will suffice. The purpose of turning during storage is because the chalazae (the white coiled ropelike strands that keep the yolk suspended in the middle of the albumen) can stretch over time if not turned and then the yolk can stick to membrane.
What kind of incubator?
Since this is a critical hatch and you can't get any more of his eggs. Make sure you don't trust the temp reading on it and I wouldn't trust any old thermometer. Get a guaranteed accurate one or calibrate.
This is my favorite.
https://www.thermoworks.com/RT301WA
Also the Brinsea Spot Check is very good.
https://www.brinsea.com/p-394-spot-check-digital-incubator-thermometer.aspx

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thanks good read.. sounds like it’s a slim chance. ahah ok I bought the 40$ yellow 7 egg incubator. I know it’s crap I have a bantam Cochin who might go broody. I blocked off her favorite nesting a few days ago and she hasn’t laid. So if she goes broody I’d prefer that! She’s only 5 months! I’m taking all the information in. I almost said forget it. But if I’m only out 40$ no big loss. And honestly my rooster was sweet but he got attacked and developed wry neck. I gave him vit e and selenium and he had head shaking and thrashing around for a few hrs then dead. I read it’s not best to breed chickens prone to this. Do you know much of this? I’m going to try regardless. But ill read al the info and try my best!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You won't know for sure it is genetic until you hatch some and see what happens.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thanks! I’ll give it a try!