Young broody hen left nest

[jorton]

After sitting on her eggs for four days, something got in the nest and broke two of her eggs. At that time she left the nest and I found her sitting on another nest that evening. Not sure how long she had been off the eggs but I'm guessing several hours. A couple of days later she left the eggs for a couple of hours (I think) when I found her again sitting on another nest. She finally seems content and settled, but I am afraid the eggs are not viable. It's been seven days so I candled them today (first time I have ever candled an egg), and I only saw a couple with what looked like veins but not sure if they are alive. I'm wondering if I should get rid of these eggs and start over. But if I do that, will she continue to sit long enough for the new eggs to hatch.

 

[tacothechicken]

My broodys will generally sit constantly once settled in a nest even if its a secound or 3rd try. But id be sure the nest she chosen isnt the favorite of a higher up lady or that it's protected from the flock so she isn't driven off her nest by others.

 

[silkie1472]

The eggs could still be viable, but the only way to tell would be to let her try to sit on them again.

 

[Perris]

hello @jorton ! welcome to BYC
I have one doing the same sort of thing at the moment, and it's a first time with this behaviour for me too. I am letting her carry on as an experiment in what happens if I let nature take its course with a part-time broody; I don't want to try to break her, and I don't want to risk more eggs with her, so it seemed to me to be the best alternative. Good luck, whatever you decide to do!