1st Time with a Broody Hen!

[afellman5]

Hello, I am new to this website even though it has helped me through several different situations. I have a broody hen (Buff Orpington) that has been sitting for 25 days now. I know she gets up to get food and water at around 10-11 every single morning and then in the evening around 6 when everyone's out of the coop free-ranging. There are 6 or 7 eggs (she didn't let me get too close) that she is laying on. We have a rooster so we know they are fertile. I am just wondering how much longer we should wait? There's a strong (bad) smell in the corner where she's in. She won't let us get close to candle them to see and haven't heard any chirping/peeping yet either. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Pyxis]

The strong smell probably indicates at least one is bad, unfortunately, and with them already being four days late I'm not too optimistic I would go out at night while she's sleeping and candle them. Wear gloves if you think she's going to bite and peck.

 

[sourland]

I agree with Pyxis, and will add handle them carefully - rotten eggs can explode.

 

[SJ]

I agree with Pyxis, and will add handle them carefully - rotten eggs can explode.

X2

Really carefully... exploding rotten egg is awful.

 

[sourland]

X2

Really carefully... exploding rotten egg is awful.

Been there, done that.

 

[Pyxis]

 
X2

Really carefully... exploding rotten egg is awful. 

  Been there, done that.

Me too, only mine exploded under the broody. What a mess that was