How long will a fertilised egg last?

[turtleshell]

Hi there, I'm new to the world of chickens. I have only recently started out with my flock. Started with 5 about 3 months ago, sadly lost two and then increased to 8 to weeks ago. Anyway, I have no roosters, one of the hens I have laying was with a rooster when I purchased her two weeks ago. She has been sitting on an egg all day today, do I remove it from under her or should I let her sit on it? What is the possibility of it being fertile? I am very uneducated in the area of egg fertilisation so any information would be helpful. Thanks, Turleshell

 

[La Mike]

Generally after about a week fertilization is at a minimum i would remove the egg and let her go on about her day

 

[Paganbird]

Eggs can remain fertile for up to 3 weeks after separation from a rooster. If your hen is truly broody, you could always buy some fertile eggs to put under her & let her hatch them.
Good Luck!

 

[La Mike]

Paganbird 3 weeks really i was to understand 1 week good two weeks it was done?

 

[Barred Rocker]

I believe 3 weeks is the accepted norm. Eggs are at their "most" fertile the first week. Hatchibility will degrade as time goes on. I've heard stories here that some have hatched after more than a month but I've never tried any. May have to test that this year.

 

[swheat]

Up to 3 week after being with a rooster