When will eggs be fertile

[Country Parson]

Help me with the following scenario & question:

What if...I have a group of hens that are already laying (but have not been w/ a rooster).

And then what if...I added a rooster with them today.

How long would it be before the eggs they produce are fertile? A few days? A few weeks?

 

[PamB]

I think it would just depend on how quickly they begin mating. The rooster may mate them right away or if he isn't very aggressive, I'd imagine he'd feel things out first. I don't think there is an absolute answer to your question. However, I am new at this, so maybe a more experienced forum member will have a better answer.

 

[kano]

After the first mount, within 3 days some % of the eggs are going to be fertile.

 

[PamB]

Quote:
Wow! Only 3 day, huh? That's neat.

 

[peacockfarmer1]

i did the same thing years ago 20 hens and i added a rooster that was not very aggresive at mating i collected eggs to hatch in two weeks and they were about 95% fertile

 

[Count Orloff]

Quote:
Wow! Only 3 day, huh? That's neat.

I figure he would at least buy them a dinner or two first!

 

[shellyga]

Count Orloff....

My rooster was waiting by the crate when we brought new hens home.. DH said he was the one chicken welcoming committee!!

Shelly

 

[OkChickens]

They will be fertile in 3-4 days. If you are wanting to use a bator I would wait a week or so to insure that he will "get around" to all of your hens. This will increase your hatch rate.

-Nate

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Lady calls up the county extension agent and asks the same question you just asked.
County agent plans to look up the info and says to lady "Just a minute..."
Lady says " Thank you" and hangs up.

This groaner has to be at least 50 years old.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]