Mating Question

[tds99100]

I might be asking a stupid question, but is there any way to tell if my rooster and hen have mated without witnessing the act? My hen just started laying this week after raising her since May. I'm really excited about that. Now, I would like to eat some of the eggs, but I would also like to hatch some. I've read that I can't tell a fertile egg without incubating it for at least three days. I work full time, so I can't watch my chickens all the time to see if they're mating. Is there any other way to give me a hint of my hen's eggs might be fertile before I eat them?

 

[StephensonC]

Have you cracked any open yet? Look for the little whitish bulls eye in the yolk. Of course you want be able to hatch it once you've cracked it, but atleast you would have an idea if they are mating or not.

 

[tds99100]

I cracked one open this morning, and I didn't even think to look. I was so enamoured with eating my first egg I just cooked it right up. I'll remember to look next time. Thanks!

 

[aart]

Here's a thread that has tons of examples of fertile and non fertile eggs to browse thru.
and a pic for right now

 

[tds99100]

Thanks aart. I really appreciate the info!

 

[lazy gardener]

Go ahead and enjoy those first eggs. Wait until her eggs are a good size before trying to hatch them.

 

[tds99100]

I'm not ready to start hatching anything yet. I guess I'm not taking the time to enjoy what I have right now, and thinking ahead. I can't help but think of the future, and where I want to go next. Im just wanting to get ideas for when the time does come. Thanks for the advice lazy gardener!

 

[lazy gardener]

It's always fun to think ahead. My mind is always racing to the next project. Drives my husband crazy.

 

[tds99100]

Well, I remembered to check the egg I cracked open tonight, and sure enough I have a bullseye. I'm glad to know my rooster is doing his job, and I can work on hatching some eggs when the time does come. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[StephensonC]

Well, I remembered to check the egg I cracked open tonight, and sure enough I have a bullseye. I'm glad to know my rooster is doing his job, and I can work on hatching some eggs when the time does come. Thanks for all the advice!

Congratulations!! Isn't it so exciting?