[Steph Hen]

I have a few different breeds, and unrelated strains of each with a view to breeding. All winter they've been hens and cocks running about together, up until the last two weeks that is, when I shut all the boys away.
I've read on the internet that hens can store sperm for up to a month, but other people said one or two weeks.

I figured Today I would incubate some and candle after a few days. But Today I cracked open an egg for breakfast and there was the little thread of blood on one side which I only thought they had if they were fertile. Two things, does the little blood spot thing mean it's fertile? And does anyone know from experience how long their hens can store sperm. I don't want to waste heaps over the next fortnight if I really do need to wait nearer a month for them to be expected clear. Thank you!

[jaykay]

I've always worked on three weeks - I've never had an 'odd' chick this way, so I think it must be about right.

[in the hills]

I was told by a very experienced breeder of rare breed poultry that it was at least 3 weeks, 4 to be safe.

[Victorian Farmer]

Yes a month and they can be fertile in 12 days.

[chrismahon]

The little blood spot is not a sign of fertility Steph Hen. It may mean a bird that needs worming. You need to look for development of the blastoderm which has been discussed here before. It is a cluster of cells attached to the yolk and is visible as a small white spot about 1mm across. If the egg is fertile that spot will enlarge and spread to 3mm. If you wait 5 days or so it becomes larger and very obvious, if your eggs are stored at 12 degrees or thereabouts.


17 days I read sperm can be stored for, so why our young cockerel treads his hens 5 times a day I don't know!
Best allow 3 weeks I think -that appears to be 'industry standard'.

[Steph Hen]

Thanks for the replies. I'll leave them longer. And then incubate a few just to check.

I wormed in January, but they do have lots of contact with wild birds, I guess could do them again.

Victorian farmer, do you mean the cock and hens have to be together for 12 days before eggs are fertile? I assumed it would only take a couple of days for the new eggs to be fertilised.