how long does mating/fertilization carryover? 2 examples

[ccshambhala]

1. I bought a hen that was with a rooster until I brought her home. She did not lay for a week (stress of transition). Will her first several eggs be fertile or not???

2. I have several different types of chickens that free range together. If and when I do decide to breed any I want them to breed true - so will have to put them in a breeding pen. How long will I have to wait after isolating appropriate rooster/hen combo - to know that the eggs are fertilized by the rooster I want them to be fertilized by???

 

[silkiechicken]

After last mating with a roo, figure 3 weeks. Same goes for riding of "old" roo. Figure it takes 3 weeks or so to disapear.

 

[ccshambhala]

wow that was fast lol!
awesome thank you so much!!

so for the one that hasn't laid in a week does it mean 3 more weeks of fertile eggs? or 3 weeks period laying or not?

 

[silkiechicken]

Sperm can live up to about 3 weeks. Each roosters mileage may vary though.