The Poultry Keeper

poule · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 14

How long would it take to be sure a cock with a hen is 100% definately the father of the eggs after taking away any other cocks that may have got jiggy with the hen?

Apologies if this has been asked before, had a search but difficult question to search for.

Thanks in advance.

Sylvia · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

They say it is normally about 3 weeks.

poule · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 14

Who is 'they'? Thanks for replying Sylvia.

Bradders · Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 1011 Location: Cambridgeshire

I'd agree with Sylvia Smile

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

They say = it is said. It is generally accepted that experienced poultry breeders have found that a three week period should elapse before setting eggs using a new cockerel.

poule · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 14

Ahhhh, thats who. THANKS ALL for your help.

The Ladies · Joined: 02 Aug 2008 Posts: 131 Location: Kent

OMG I would never have thought about that, (well that it would take so long). I am so glad there are so many knowledgeable people here

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1219 Location: Cornwall

At least a month. Hens store fertilised eggs for some time before laying them.

Hen-Gen · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:01 am Post subject:

Its time for one of those 'well, fancy that' moments. If the cockerel is a pure breeding rose comb breed, eg Wyandotte or Sebright, then a week is ample because their sperm has a 'short shelf-life'.
Most mutant genes have other subsidiary effects apart from the obvious one and this just happens to be the subsidiary effect of the rose comb gene.
I know, I should get out more!! Very Happy

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

Then of course there's always the randy hen who hops over to join lover-boy and then goes home. Too late you learn what she's been up to!

justin · Joined: 16 Dec 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Essex

I know this isn't an answer, just another question but this thread looks like a good one to ask it.

I am still what I would consider to be a beginner in this chicken thing..I have just bought some point of lay chickens that were kept with a cockerel at the farm I got them from . None of them have laid any eggs since I got them 5 Days ago, and I assume they are not quite ready yet. Now if they lay an egg within a month does that mean the egg could be fertilized?

Or do they have to be laying eggs already for that to happen?

Sorry to jump in but it seems like an interesting question to me.

Thanks for any answers in advance.

Hen-Gen · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 1:06 pm Post subject:

It is an interesting question and I, for one, don't know the answer.
But I've always assumed that hens that aren't laying (or about to) don't mate. But that could be wrong! Confused

poule · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 14

They may not mate, but ive seen them being raped.

Wilt · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject:

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

I'm with Tim on this and it's one of the reasons that I have a cock or cockerel in every pen. They're good markers, even if it's not a breeding pen.