Every year I get 2-3 broody hens in from late winter to mid-spring and I keep the best rooster around long enough to fertilize enough eggs to have the broodies hatch out what I need to repopulate the flock and keep new layers in the flock. What hatches is always about 50% male and 50% female - obviously. So the males grow up and all but the best one becomes meat birds and the females become layers. I usually keep that last rooster until a hen goes broody again the next spring.
Anyway, I usually don't have a problem keeping the roo until early spring but this year I think I am ready for him to go on his way - I think the bald-back hens are about ready also. But I won't have a broody until spring. How long can I keep these fertilized eggs in the fridge and have them still be viable?
I have read mixed answers. Can anyone chime in with experience?
Thanks!
Anyway, I usually don't have a problem keeping the roo until early spring but this year I think I am ready for him to go on his way - I think the bald-back hens are about ready also. But I won't have a broody until spring. How long can I keep these fertilized eggs in the fridge and have them still be viable?
I have read mixed answers. Can anyone chime in with experience?
Thanks!