Fertility

[labmancan]

Had to remove a male from his mate today, he beat her up pretty bad. These are Coturnix and have been laying for about a month, how long will the hens eggs stay fertile now he is gone?

[wildergamebirds]

"They" generally say 10-14 days.  I'm not sure what you have in mind.  I wouldn't sell any that were laid after the 7th day.  In my limited experience with Coturnix, it seems most hens get pick pretty bad.

   I would incubate any up to 14-16 days (if I didn't need them for an omelet).  I would expect fertility percentages to drop off after 10 days, or so.  If you want the most fertile eggs with least wear and tear on your hen, you could put him back in after 7 or 8 days, and remove him after 2.  Not a viable approach if you had a hundred males doing this.

[labmancan]

Thanks Wilder:

I only have the 3 prs., i don't sell any eggs. I get 3 Quail eggs aday and 1 Partridge every 2 days, incubate every 8 days. I bought these just to make sure I had my new Sportsman and brooders figured out. I put them and a pr. of Chukar under lights
I didn't want to wait until my fancy Pheasants were laying to find out I had to change something.
I know that most hens get some feathers removed from their heads and necks, but this one also has an eye swollen shut, I will just incubate the next few weeks worth from the 3 coturnix hens anyways, my Pheasants and the outside Chukars should start laying soon.