How long can a hen hold sperm?

[Chikyboy]

I live in the city, so I can't have roosters. I want chicks from MY hens, so if something happens to on of them we have there babys. I want to do some AI on them so I get chicks from them, but I want to know how long sperm stays in the hen and how soon an egg is fertilized after mating, or in this case, AI.

 

[The-White-Elephant]

@MysteryChicken @cherrynberry

 

[-Flash-]

I would like to know this too, I have heard as long as 2 months and as short as 2 weeks.

 

[Chikyboy]

My friend has several roosters, so I will get the semen there

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I've seen 3 weeks, sometimes 4 as a good guideline.

 

[Chikyboy]

I've seen 3 weeks, sometimes 4 as a good guideline.

Thanks!

 

[MysteryChicken]

I live in the city, so I can't have roosters. I want chicks from MY hens, so if something happens to on of them we have there babys. I want to do some AI on them so I get chicks from them, but I want to know how long sperm stays in the hen and how soon an egg is fertilized after mating, or in this case, AI.

About 3 weeks, a hen can store sperm.

 

[3KillerBs]

At least 3 weeks -- and I have 4 black pullets to prove it.

My friend swears that she separated the Wyandottes and the Orpingtons for 3 weeks before choosing eggs to set, but according to the genetics people here the only way the combination of breeds she owned could have resulted in all-black offspring was if the Lavender Orpington had mated with the Silver-Laced Wyandottes.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

At least 3 weeks -- and I have 4 black pullets to prove it.

My friend swears that she separated the Wyandottes and the Orpingtons for 3 weeks before choosing eggs to set, but according to the genetics people here the only way the combination of breeds she owned could have resulted in all-black offspring was if the Lavender Orpington had mated with the Silver-Laced Wyandottes.

Which is why i will be separating my hens for breeding in feb so by march they are empty lol

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Which is why i will be separating my hens for breeding in feb so by march they are empty lol

That's My goal too