An couple un-broody hens.

[GwenReaper]

So I am new in the chicken world. I got 3 hens and 2 of them are laying. I want to try and hatch a couple since they are fertile. The 2 hens that are laying will not sit on the eggs. They lay in the same spot but they wont even be near them at night. Is it possible for the younger hen that is not laying on it to brood? Currently she is in my house in a cat carrier because she twisted her leg when my dog went after her- (thats a whole different story to begin with) but she is doing well inside and she will be inside til she is fully healed. But would it be possible for me to stick a few eggs in there with her and see if she sits??

I just do not have the money for an incubator right now... and this is my only option.

What temp to the eggs have to be to keep them alive?? until I find a solution?

Any help would be great!!

Thanks

 

[CindyS]

Broodiness is a hormonal thing and its unlikely the one that isnt laying will go broody. It depends on what breed your chickens are and how long they have been laying, Just giving them eggs will not help either, unless they are silkies. Keep the eggs in a cool spot until you have a way to incubate or the hens go broody, up to 10 days.

 

[GwenReaper]

Okay thanks. I will try to get a home made incubator in the works.

The eggs were laid on tuesday and wednesday. How long do I have to get something going?

 

[canada-goose]

Do you have a rooster? Just curious.

 

[farmin'chick]

How long do I have to get something going?

Usually you are safe within a ten day window. The older they are, the harder to get them to hatch. Some folks have kept them longer. On the counter, room temperature, around 50 degrees (supposed to be ideal) in the refrigerator (not too good for mine), are some suggestions.

My ideal -- 10 days or less, 50 deg. constant until they are set...When ready to set, bring to room temp over 24 hours, "turning" every 4 hours or so.... I put a book under one end of the carton, then the other end in 4 hrs. Then set them in your PREHEATED, stabilized incubator.​

 

[GwenReaper]

Quote:
No I do not have a rooster. But I just got them from a friend who did. So the first eggs should be fertile.

 

[canada-goose]

They won't be much longer so you'll have to hurry!