sjp Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 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!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve the Gas Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 I've read temp while incubating has a bearing??................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
