Questions about fertile eggs ??

[kbreak]

How long does a laying hen need to be with a rooster before the eggs would be fertile?
Also as I save my eggs to put in the incubator what temp should they be?
Can I write on the eggs with pencil to know what each egg is?

 

[berniezahm]

If your rooster covers your hen today the egg she lays tomorrow may be fertile. The egg she lays day after tomorrow will be fertile (about 99% certain). The eggs from that point on should be fertile barring any problems with the hen or the rooster.

Store the egg at room temperature (60 to 80 degrees) till you put them in the incubator.

Store them with the pointed end up till you are ready to put them in the incubator.

Do not wash the eggs. You can wipe them with a paper towel or soft cloth. Washing them helps the bacteria on the outside of the shell to get insde the shell. Shells are porous, that is why the air space at the top of the egg gets larger as time goes by. Moisure inside the egg evaporates thru the shell.
.
You may write on the egg with a regular graphite pencil, or a china marker (Grease Pencil). Don't use a Sharpie or magic marker or roller ball pen, as the ink will penetrate the shell and may damage the embryo.

Good Luck with your hatch!

 

[hollyk]

Yep, that covers the roo and the egg. Good Luck!

 

[kbreak]

Thank you so much for the information !!