Mating and Eggs

[roostercluck]

How long after a rooster and a hen mates does the hen lay an egg?

 

[7 Biddies]

A laying hen will have eggs in various stages of production at any given moment, some may already be in the process of being developed/laid when she mates. But, how long will it be before she produces a fertilized egg? I'm not sure ... can't be but a few days, but one of our eggsperts will have to address that.

 

[sourland]

In reality, there is no connection between mating and egg laying. Roosters tend to mate with mature hens when possible, but will mate with a water bucket if nothing else is available. A hen will lay an egg when she is mature and ready to do so whether or not she has been mated or if there is even a rooster in the flock. Roosters are not needed to get eggs. They are only needed when fertile eggs are wanted,

 

[7 Biddies]

I interpreted the question as possibly meaning, "How long does it take after mating for a hen to lay a fertilized egg?" But, I could be totally off. I know you have to separate a hen from all roosters for a couple of weeks to be sure you're getting UNfertile eggs. So, out of curiosity at this point, how long does it take for her to produce fertile ones after mating?

Enquiring minds ... ,

 

[sourland]

If a hen has not been exposed to roosters, her eggs will probably be fertile 3 days after mating. The first one for sure and the second in the production line may not be fertilized. After a rooster is removed from a flock: high fertility for two weeks, decreasing fertility third week, and occasional fertility up to as much as four weeks. Three weeks is regarded as the 'cut off' period by most.

 

[7 Biddies]

Interesting information. Thanks! (Somehow, I knew you'd have the poop ... errr ... facts)