adding eggs AFTER day one

[evieshotchicks]

Yesterday was DAY ONE of my incubating and I just collected another egg that I would like to add to same incubator. I am concerned as to what I do with that extra egg on DAY 18 when I add extra water and go into LOCK DOWN stage because that extra egg is only on day 17... thanks

 

[brownfoxfarm]

Well. I've had broody hens get off the nest to have a bite to eat and another hen sneaks a fresh egg into the nest. Momma stays setting for about 3 days after the first egg hatches, so if the extra egg was laid within 3 days of her going broody, then those late eggs get the chance to hatch & very often do.

SO.... I would just stop turning it with the others when you do the lock down. As I doubt the momma hen does anything different with her "late eggs" than she does with those that where there when she started setting.

Joyce Brandon
http://brownfoxfarm.weebly.com

 

[mstricer]

I add eggs up to 3 days after, with no problems.

 

[sumi]

I've set eggs over a 2 day period under my broody hens with no problems. As brownfoxfarm said, the hen will sit for up to 3 days after the chicks started hatching. Good luck with your hatch!