Question about Housing Roo with Hens

[PersianPenName]

Three weeks ago my roommate and I bought seven little bantam chicks, and we're fairly certain one of them is a rooster (leaner body, longer tail, different walk than the rest of them). We love all of our chicks, and do not plan to cull him, but would still like to see some eggs from our girls. I know they will lay regardless of fertilization, but how can we tell which hens are laying eating eggs and which ones are trying to actually brood? We are not adverse to babies, but we do not want to discover one in our breakfast by surprise.

 

[paddock36]

If you collect the eggs every day then there is no risk of finding a developing chick in your egg. Just collect them and refridgerate them.

 

[sourland]

All eggs are eating eggs or brooding eggs. You make the choice not the chickens.

 

[PersianPenName]

What I'm saying is, how do I know which eggs to take, if I want some to hatch? Do I have to trust that if the hen isn't acting broody, the eggs are infertile, or do I have to candle each one as I take them? I am okay with taking some fertile eggs to go and eat, but would rather not leave unfertilized ones under the hen to go rotten hoping for chicks.