When to collect eggs..

[adubsroit]

When is it a good time to assume and start collecting eggs after my Beltsville Whites do the deed?? With my chickens I wait a couple of days, a week at most to be totally safe and to assure the males are actually doing it right. Seems the younger the bird the more awkward the whole deed, lol.

To the best of my knowledge, as we put them together just a matter of hours ago, the jake has done nothing with his new girlfriend. He seemed awkward, sort cute though. I'd like to think that he will just get it done and I could start collecting this week. Is this possible?? What's y'alls rule of thumb for time after breed to start collecting eggs for hatch??

 

[farmerChef]

you could collect the first few and check for the bullseye when you crack them open.

 

[adubsroit]

That was what I was thinking. Our young jenny has laid one egg so fr, but no way it could have been fertile (different pen and all).

Should a breed as small as a Beltsville be fine without a saddle??

 

[farmerChef]

you mean like the saddles they have for chickens? I didn't know they made them that big.

 

[adubsroit]

Yep!! They do seem to be a little more difficult to find, but Stromberg's seemed to have the most reliable stock; a lot of other places may have had them in stock, but they weren't sure if you'd be getting them any time soon, lol.

Here is a link to their S, M and L selection: Stromberg Turkey Saddles. If that doesn't work just go their site ans search "turkey saddle." I ordered just one, figured it'd be better safe than sorry and plus they aren't all that expensive. Found a few people online, though Google, that you can commission to make your bird designer saddles, lol, like with your states flag or stuff.