How long does a hen stay fertile from a breeding?

[bigdog]

I teach middle school science at a suburban school and am having difficulty keeping a rooster that crows at the school to breed to the hens I have there. It was quite a concession getting permission to have any chickens there. How long after I remove the rooster will I still get fertile eggs? I figure if I bring him in for conjugal visits after school now and then it might work. Thanks

 

[MissPrissy]

About 2 weeks but some have experienced longer. I really wish I could do a hatch at my daughter's school. So far no go. Good luck with your program. The kids will never forget it.

 

[bigdog]

I've been doing it for years and the kids LOVE it. I just wanted to try it with "our own" eggs - thanx for the information. So far no one has complained about the noise as he has been fairly quiet.

 

[d.k]

* Hey- Miss Prissy?? Can that fertile time frame vary with breed or something?? Chook's have been fertile an awful long time. . . .

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi!
I'd say 2 weeks is about right.
I lost the roo in my Silkie pen last month and the eggs were still fertile for the following 15 days.

I think bringing the roo to 'visit' once a week or so is a GREAT idea

Lisa

 

[silkiechicken]

After a good set of breeding, the female will be reliably fertile for 2 weeks, maybe 3, possibly longer but the viability of the sperm will decrease.