How long does a mated Hen remain fertile?

[HowieNZ]

Question for the more knowledgeable than I. If a hen has been mated by a particular Roo, lets say they were together several days and one had seen them mate daily, if that hen is then separated, how many days afterwards before she starts laying fertile eggs and how many days is she likely to continue to lay fertile eggs? Thanks HowieNZ

 

[luvmypets]

Question for the more knowledgeable than I. If a hen has been mated by a particular Roo, lets say they were together several days and one had seen them mate daily, if that hen is then separated, how many days afterwards before she starts laying fertile eggs and how many days is she likely to continue to lay fertile eggs? Thanks HowieNZ    

Her eggs can be fertile up to a month. After the first week the fertility goes down.

 

[HowieNZ]

Thanks for that, so to maintain optimum fertility, the she should be mated at least once a week if I understand your reply correctly.

 

[dc3085]

7 days for sure, but I've always been told with quail that it can be up to two weeks. Research of chickens shows that they can remain fertile for 30 days and they are in the same scientific family as chickens so it is entirely possible that it will last a month. I've found no good research done on quail on this subject.

If she is covered once a week that should be enough keep in mind separating and re integrating them back together won't be all ice cream and peaches. Once you remove a bird for a few days and try to put it back, the other bird typically considers it an interloper and will usually attack.

 

[HowieNZ]

I asked because I have in mind specific breeding of certain birds in my flock to get the best chance of right fertile eggs. Thanks

 

[Quail Jailer]

Howie, I too would consider her covered seven days at a stretch.

 

[abbadackerygirl]

Thanks for the information; I had the same question about a week ago in my head; you read my mind!