How to Tell a Fertile vs INfertile Egg (Pictures)

[Hennypen]

When do cockerals become fertile?

I'm getting a bunch of eggs but none are fertile. The birds range in age from 5-7 months. And it's not because they haven't bee trying.

 

[speckledhen]

They usually start being fertile after 16 weeks old or so, but they may not be very "talented" in their technique for awhile.

 

[kvmommy]

So very cool

 

[Cass]

I read the entire thread, including 100 times of "can you put the egg back in the shell?"

It was very informative and I sincerely appriciate all the time and effort to answer all the questions....repeatedly in some cases.

Now, can you have fertile eggs if you have no chickens?

(mine don't arrive until mid-april

But they will be just weeks from laying

)

 

[amydurose]

Quote:

 

[snowfire_girl]

ok I just passed my bedtime by an hour and a half reading this entire thread

I can't wait until morning to see if I have fertile eggs lol. My girls just started laying at 5 months and we got our Rooster last week with 2 hens. I have seen him breeding a few of them, so am so curious now

But since it is bedtime I don't want to waste an egg lol. If they are fertile, I have to convince DH that I need an incubator. I have 2 EE and would love more lol. Also other breeds but I know which EE is laying right now. And she is beautiful. Well to me she is anyway

 

[roncrna]

Thanks for the info. I have always wondered how to tell and never knew the right way. This site is awesome at helping out us newbies to the chicken world!

 

[snowfire_girl]

Well I am happy to say my rooster is doing his business well

 

[speckledhen]

I have had recent experience of eggs showing bullseyes, or what appeared to be to both my husband and myself, however, after seeing them and collecting eggs from that pen, none developed at all. That can happen with a fertilized egg, sure, but also, sometimes it just isn't clear whether the egg is fertile or not. And I have lots of experience checking fertility of certain birds this way. Most of the time, yep, it is what you think it is, but some blastodiscs just are sort of an in-between appearance and you will be mistaken.

 

[rickerra]

Useful thread... good info.

Any guesses on this egg I had for breakfast this morning. Caught my eye. I'm unsure myself...

Bought at WinCo... here's the carton

Cheers!