Older newbie

[PaulaS98]

Hi, I just joined, though have had hens for 6 years. Never had a rooster until last year- I borrowed fertilized eggs , 4 hatched, one rooster. This year I kept him until one hen went broody, then gave him away about 4 weeks ago. Now another hen went broody and I wanted to know if any of the eggs could still be fertile. I may just also get a couple from my neighbor to keep her happy.

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

I don't know the answer for sure to your question, but IMO 4 weeks without a rooster, doubt there will be any fertilized eggs around.

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Hi and welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Nice to meet you Paula, you could let her set on a couple of her eggs and add some fertile ones. After a couple weeks, you could "candle" her own eggs and see if any signs of development. Their are charts on BYC that show what you would see inside the egg, at different days of gestation.

I fairly certain that a hen can remain "bred" for 3 weeks after the rooster has gone. Maybe others can answer if it can be longer than that.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I doubt the eggs will be fertile but if you crack one and compare with the pics on this link, you will know for sure.

http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/7/76/500x1000px-LL-767d5e96_EggFertility.jpeg

All the best
Ct

This link is now working and better than the above one, IMO
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/16008/how-to-tell-a-fertile-vs-infertile-egg-pictures

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!