the what, when and how questions about fertile eggs

[ocean_rain21]

I have had a few people who have been asking me if my eggs are fertile, I have 1 rooster for 18 chickens so I assume that not ALL the eggs are fertile as i'm sure poor Cole(Rooster) would be worn out

How long do I wait before I try Candling? Can eggs taht have been inthe fridge a few days still develope? and what do you guys charge for a dzn fertile eggs?

 

[Judy]

If they're not all fertile, it's because he has favorites, not because 18 would wear him out! Yes, eggs will sometimes develop after being refrigerated, but the rate goes down. Can't help you about candling or prices, though you could learn a lot about prices in the buy sell trade section here.

 

[CindyS]

A healthy roo can handle up to 30 hens, if he gets to each of them once every week or 2 weeks they should all be fertile. The price of eating eggs and hatching eggs can be a difficult situation. If your chickens are purebred, a breed that is hard to get or you have show quality stock, you can name your price. If they are just hatchery stock, a common breed in the area, just your run of the mill barnyard chickens, you MAY be able to get a little more for them if they are hatching eggs, it just depends on your customers.

 

[countrybum]

Quote:
What type of chickens do you have?

After 7 days you can candle eggs and have a more likely idea of fertility. If you are use to candling you can tell between 3 and 5 days.

Yes, eggs that have been in the fridge can still develope, I have done it may times.

As for cost, it depends on the breed of chickens.

 

[countrybum]

Quote:
Sorry Cindy, you lost me on this.

If a Roo only breeds a hen once a week or once every 2 weeks, not all eggs can be fertile. The Roo needs to mate to fertilize the egg.

So how can all eggs be fertile if he is breeding every 2 weeks?

 

[The Wolf Queen]

Ive had eggs in the fridge for up to 3 weeks that have hatched. I wait 3-5 days before candling. To see if the eggs are fertile crack one open and look for a little white bullseye on the yolk.

 

[ocean_rain21]

thanks guys!
I have just regular mix hens so i'm not too sur. I would like to sell them for $5 a dozen but not sure if thwy would sell or not.