Rooster & Hen Mated

[Chicken6000]

Hen Breed: Black Australorp
Age: 23 weeks
Rooster Breed: N/A
Age: 23 weeks

They both mated today (I know this because I've looked and done research especially since they are both hitting maturity) I have a few questions about this however
1. Is there any way to make her attracted to a nesting box? I don't want her to lay eggs out in the open.
2. Is there a general amount of times a rooster mates with a hen?
3. When should I expect her to start laying?
4. What should I do if her eggs are fertile?
5. What should I expect from her? (Behavior)

I know I know, tons of questions, I'm just so excited!
Thanks for the help guys! I love this community too much!

 

[Karasu]

Hen Breed: Black Australorp
Age: 23 weeks
Rooster Breed: N/A
Age: 23 weeks

They both mated today (I know this because I've looked and done research especially since they are both hitting maturity) I have a few questions about this however
1. Is there any way to make her attracted to a nesting box? I don't want her to lay eggs out in the open.
2. Is there a general amount of times a rooster mates with a hen?
3. When should I expect her to start laying?
4. What should I do if her eggs are fertile?
5. What should I expect from her? (Behavior)

I know I know, tons of questions, I'm just so excited!
Thanks for the help guys! I love this community too much!

1. Is there any way to make her attracted to a nesting box? I don't want her to lay eggs out in the open.
- Make the nesting box quiet, and out of the way. Having it up off the floor by a bit can be helpful. Also reduce access to other corners such as behind a feed bin.
2. Is there a general amount of times a rooster mates with a hen?
- Whenever he feels like it.
3. When should I expect her to start laying?
- Depends. But if she was receptive, probably within a few weeks.
4. What should I do if her eggs are fertile?
- Eat them, hatch them, sell them, whatever you feel like doing. Doesn't matter whether they are fertilized.
5. What should I expect from her? (Behavior)
- She should continue to behave the same as she has been other than perhaps starting to have an egg song when she begins to lay.

 

[Chicken6000]

1. Is there any way to make her attracted to a nesting box? I don't want her to lay eggs out in the open.
- Make the nesting box quiet, and out of the way. Having it up off the floor by a bit can be helpful. Also reduce access to other corners such as behind a feed bin.
2. Is there a general amount of times a rooster mates with a hen?
- Whenever he feels like it.
3. When should I expect her to start laying?
- Depends. But if she was receptive, probably within a few weeks.
4. What should I do if her eggs are fertile?
- Eat them, hatch them, sell them, whatever you feel like doing. Doesn't matter whether they are fertilized.
5. What should I expect from her? (Behavior)
- She should continue to behave the same as she has been other than perhaps starting to have an egg song when she begins to lay.

Thanks! What did you mean by "If she was receptive" Does that mean If she accepted It?

 

[Karasu]

Thanks! What did you mean by "If she was receptive" Does that mean If she accepted It?

If she squatted for him instead of being chased down, she's likely closer to laying, though some of this just depends on the hen's mood. Laying hens sometimes run anyway.

 

[Chicken6000]

If she squatted for him instead of being chased down, she's likely closer to laying, though some of this just depends on the hen's mood. Laying hens sometimes run anyway.

Currently she has been mated with like 5 times since yesterday, she Is looking for places to lay I can tell!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Just so you are aware a hen does not require a rooster in order to lay eggs.

Being mated with does not trigger egg laying.

A hen can only produce one egg a day maximum. They do not necessarily lay every day either.

 

[nuthatched]

Currently she has been mated with like 5 times since yesterday, she Is looking for places to lay I can tell!

Are you under the impression that a hen is required to be mated to lay? She'll lay, when she's ready, whether she's ever even seen a rooster or not.
It's not a result of mating, it just happens.

 

[Chicken6000]

Are you under the impression that a hen is required to be mated to lay? She'll lay, when she's ready, whether she's ever even seen a rooster or not.
It's not a result of mating, it just happens.

I know that, they were asking If she accepted It, I'm basically saying she did

 

[Chicken6000]

Just so you are aware a hen does not require a rooster in order to lay eggs.

Being mated with does not trigger egg laying.

A hen can only produce one egg a day maximum. They do not necessarily lay every day either.

I know that

 

[21hens-incharge]

I know that

You would be surprised how many don't.