How to tell if eggs are fertile

[crazy4chickns]

I'm pretty new to raising chickens.We were wondering if there's any way to tell if an egg is fertile.Our 5mth old americauna roo has been making his rounds to the hens the last few weeks.Two of the older hens are laying so I'm wondering at his age is he just practicing or is he sure nuff doing it for real?What I did today was mark the egg in question with a sharpie and see what happens.Thanks for any advice. Homeschool mom with 2 active boys,2 dogs,1 cat,2 bunnys,2 hermit crabs,27 chickens,oh and one patient hubby

 

[Mrs MIA]

There are two ways to tell... one involves cracking the egg open and looking for the little white "bullseye" on the yolk. Of course, this destroys the egg, but it lets you know if the hen that laid it is fertile. The second is to just incubate them. If they're fertile, you'll know the first time you candle.