2nd Broody trying to hatch same eggs

[longworks83]

I had a hen go broody last week. She laid on (5) eggs for about 5 days and then gave up or got kicked out. A day later another broody starting laying on them and has been every since. Are they still viable or should I give the new broody new eggs? There was only 1 day they weren't sat on. I tried candling but not seeing anything. (They are welsummer, barred rock, and blue eater egger eggs) I can see the yolk floating, in the middle of the egg but nothing else. Do I let her try these, or go ahead and give fresh? Does the day they weren't sat on mess it up? It's been about 10 days now all together. TIA!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

At 10 days you should be seeing something. Generally you see veins after the first week, than the eggs get a black blob than they go dark. If you see nothing at 10 days they are probably no good.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Take all old out, put all new eggs in.

All eggs should be set at the same time from fresh eggs to get the best results.

I would also mark the new eggs. Many use a line around, I put the date on so I can remember when I set them. (That memory thing.)

I'd also consider blocking the broody off from other hens so they can't come in and lay or push the hen out. Unless you've got a very determined broody, or a very laid back flock, it generally messes up the brood if the nest is accessible to other hens.

At the minimum, blockade the brooding hen the last 2 days before hatch, during hatch, and several days after hatch. It is very important that the new chicks are not disturbed during that time period.

Good luck with a brood.
LofMc