no roo for a month... fertile eggs? GREAT UPDATE-BABIES!

[mmaddie's mom]

I have a hen who has gone broody sitting on about a dozen eggs. I lost my top roo about a month ago and only have immature roos with the flock. What are the chances that these eggs are still fertile? I'd love a few more babies from my lost roo!

 

[Rozzie]

No mature rooster for a month?

The eggs are almost certainly infertile. I'd say certainly but weird things happen in the universe...

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Thanks anyway.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Um that roo's seed could still be there. It's not unheard of. I wouldn't bet on them being infertile at all. Candle them!

 

[silkiechicken]

1 month is unlikely, 3 weeks would have been more likely, 2 would have been mostly, 1 would have been certainly. Usually the sperm can survive 2-3 weeks, just decreasing fertility. More than three and that's what you usually do to prevent "cross contamination" if you're switching roosters.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
That is my plan... couldn't hurt. But I didn't want to get my hopes up too much.
I need an excuse to get a new powerful flashlight... someone mentioned one on BYC that was a name brand that could be found @ WalMart... a bit pricey for a flashlight, but I NEED it for candling, right? Does anyone remember the name of this wonderful tool?

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:
I won't get my hopes up, but will try candling. Thanks.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

mmaddie's mom :

Quote:
That is my plan... couldn't hurt. But I didn't want to get my hopes up too much.
I need an excuse to get a new powerful flashlight... someone mentioned one on BYC that was a name brand that could be found @ WalMart... a bit pricey for a flashlight, but I NEED it for candling, right? Does anyone remember the name of this wonderful tool?

I use a Mini MagLite with an LED bulb..around $15 at Lowe's. Get the one with the rubber end to fit over the lens. It's PERFECT for candling eggs!​

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Thanks, Cindiloohoo !

 

[mothersin2ition]

I think the flashlight youre thinking of was the Coleman something or other lol. It had the highest lumens that I found when I looked at them the other day.