Is this fertilized?

[SilkieChicken123]

Barbara would be the suspect. This is as boyish as ever s/he looks. I will try for a pic today.
20 weeks hereView attachment 2850336

That is a girl.

 

[Little Baby Bean]

That's what I thought. The other three are pullets, I've been them in the nest boxes and found eggs. Their vents are all bigger and moist now that eggs have begun.

Just so weird to have a few of my first eggs look fertile.

Could you post pics of your other chickens just in case?

 

[SilkieChicken123]

Could you post pics of your other chickens just in case?

Yes, i agree.

 

[Little Baby Bean]

@RaeSalem claims that Hens can turn into Cockerels.
Perhaps their theory Is correct.

Doubts

But when hens turn into cockerels, they can't fertilize eggs. They only act like roosters but they don't get the sperm or anything to fertilize eggs. (or at least that's what I read.)

 

[Lizzy733]

Are they free-range? Any chance a pheasant or roaming roo could have gotten to them? And how long have you had them? Is it possible they were bred before you brought them home? They can store sperm for some time.

 

[twouglyducks]

They don't free range.
Had them from a few days old.

I will say, I have a 4 mo silkie cockerel who is kept separate 99% of the time. They have some supervised time before lockup some evenings. I wouldn't think he is old enough or slick enough to pull off mounting without me noticing but I guess anything is possible...? The barred rocks bully him, though, so he is usually cowering in a corner. I didn't even think of him as he is such a cry baby but maybe he got a ride in before they started laying?? Literally only together for a few minutes maybe once a week and I'm here the whole time. The run is only 8'x12' for that so hard to be out of sight.

I've been standing in the run for pics for a while but they're in the middle of the best dirt naps of their lives, apparently. Didn't even care to see if I brought food.

 

[SilkieChicken123]

They don't free range.
Had them from a few days old.

I will say, I have a 4 mo silkie cockerel who is kept separate 99% of the time. They have some supervised time before lockup some evenings. I wouldn't think he is old enough or slick enough to pull off mounting without me noticing but I guess anything is possible...? The barred rocks bully him, though, so he is usually cowering in a corner. I didn't even think of him as he is such a cry baby but maybe he got a ride in before they started laying?? Literally only together for a few minutes maybe once a week and I'm here the whole time. The run is only 8'x12' for that so hard to be out of sight.

I've been standing in the run for pics for a while but they're in the middle of the best dirt naps of their lives, apparently. Didn't even care to see if I brought food.

It was probably him then. they are fast lil' guys.

 

[twouglyducks]

It was probably him then. they are fast lil' guys.

I seriously never would have suspected him, didn't even cross my mind. He is such a chicken. I'll have to keep a better eye on them.

Sorry, I'm a dingus!

 

[Little Baby Bean]

It was probably him then. they are fast lil' guys.

I agree.

 

[twouglyducks]

I guess with all the things I've read about it being chaotic when roosters "rape" hens, I thought I'd notice.