Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[sjp]

how long after mating before eggs are fertile?

my randy naked neck has been mating 2 of my girls for a few weeks and has mated with a third one this afternoon for the first time I know it's a bit late in the season but I want to do a test hatch to see if he's fertile yet he's nearly 19 weeks old and crowing like a good'en and if he's on borrowed time I'd like a couple of offspring off him even through they'll be mongrels

[Redwing]

In the spring/summer probably a few days. At this time of year with an immature youngster I'd give it 10 days or so before I set any eggs

 

As you say it is very late in the season - I'd be inclined not to hatch at this time of year, the youngsters will take ages to mature and may end up undersized

 

I currently have some 8 week olds that are smaller than my spring/summer 4 week olds - its a hard slog and one I dont think pays off in the long run, late hatched chicks have to battle harder and suffer from short days

 

If you have a shed or garage with decent windows and artifical light to get them through the teenage stage (6-20 weeks) then you may be ok

[craftyhunnypie]

I don't personally breed from such youngsters. All my breeding stock are 1 year old before breeding. I can then suss out any bad genetic thing going on & only use the best for breeding. Plus higher ratio of hatching cockerels from young stock.

 

Emma.x

[Redwing]

Plus higher ratio of hatching cockerels from young stock.

 

Emma.x

 

I dont think thats ever been proven to be fair and many breeders I have spoken to dont think its the case....

 

I hatched pullets eggs this year, I waited until the eggs were a decent size before hatching and that the parents were in tip top condition and being fed the right feed. Out of about 20 hatched barred dottes I only got 5 cockerel chicks. Of the 80 or so Pekins I hatched from older hens eggs about 80% were male

 

I honestly think its the luck of the draw!!

[Steve the Gas]

I've read temp while incubating has a bearing??................

[Lewis]

I've read temp while incubating has a bearing??................

For reptiles...

 

I think the huuge commercial hatcheries would have caught on by now if that was the case; stop them hatching out the thousands of boys they do...

 

 

Interesting Tasha + Emma, was gonna say I could have a look at that for a dissertation idea, but its a long way off

[Snowy]

Interesting Tasha + Emma, was gonna say I could have a look at that for a dissertation idea, but its a long way off

You would be rich if you could prove there was a link though Lewis! Might be worth a shot!