1st time hatching

[tzabodyn1316]

I just had a question about my hen I was starting to become really impatient because I thought she wasn't laying but I went out yesterday and saw she had already laid 19 and hidden them!! I was so happy she did in fact go broody! I'm just worried because I'm afraid she did lay them outside the coop so I'm wondering if they will hatch since she isn't laying on them at night? I read that if u move the eggs she might not broody any more and id like her to hatch a few. Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

So, are you asking if you should move the eggs? I would. A predator could get her if she's sitting out at night. I'd try putting them all in a nest somewhere safe. Mark them with a permanent market so you know they're the old eggs. Collect any new eggs laid there and keep them in an egg carton somewhere fairly cool, out of direct sunlight and turn them 3 times a day. When your hens finally starts sitting and stays sitting for a couple of days, swap the old eggs out fir the fresh ones you've collected.
Moving the eggs may very well break her, but I'd rather that than loose her to a predator because she's sitting outside. I move my broody hens all around and they're fine with it. Mine are pretty friendly girls, if your hen is flighty she may not be pleased. Good luck.

 

[Hischick]

We move our broody hens at night, when they are sleeping and they don't seem to realize as much that they are being moved.

 

[tzabodyn1316]

well not exactly what i was talking about but that's a good idea. I'll move her into the coop then. I was asking if they will still hatch even though she doesn't sit on them at night.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Oh, haha- gotcha.
People hatch eggs they bought at the grocery store, so anything is possible

Its normal for them to keep adding to a clutch until they have the "right" amount to sit on.
That being said, they'll also hide a huge clutch away without any intentions of sitting on them. If your hen is leaving the eggs at night, she's not broody yet.
Coincidentally, I have a hen doing the opposite. She sits on the nest at night and goes out during the day. She pancakes over the nest and growls like a broody. Then in the morning she's looking at me like "just kidding."

 

[tzabodyn1316]

ohh ok thank you! yea she does growl but i just pet her and she stopped and let me pick her up and move her she did get mad when i took some of the eggs out. so i'll just give her some time then, how long do you think untill she will go broody?