How long will hens remain fertile?

[gus2pp]

We had a rooster we culled about two months ago, but my hens are still producing fertile eggs. I have an austrolorp that is about 17 weeks old, and I can't peg the gender of this one. My question is, seeing the still fertile eggs, could they be from my old roo? Or it this a sign my questionable gender austro is in fact a cockerel? The other day I did see "him" grab the neck feathers of one of my older hens, but it wasnt trying to mount, just holding the feathers... Opinions? I'm leaning toward Austro being a cockerel.

 

[Orpington Crazy]

Do you have a picture of your mystery Australorp? I think I have heard that they only keep sperm around for at most three weeks I could be wrong. Our hens remain fertile for about a week or so normally. Good luck

 

[gus2pp]

That's what I thought. I had read four weeks forever ago and just wanted to confirm. I'll try and get pictures of my mystery bird. They are so difficult to get good pictures of, as I don't handle mine. Thanks for your input!

 

[gus2pp]

I could never get a picture of the Austro, but I did eventually see him mating with the ladies. So he was the one! Strange, though. He is 20 weeks today, and I have have yet to hear him crow.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have read two weeks is the norm, but up to one month is possible.