I hear you on that one Rozzie. I just lost my favorite hen. I had 7 eggs of hers divided under 3 hens. So far, 3 have not hatched, 1 maybe 2 have, and 2 under 3rd broodie, who's eggs are due in two days. I was hoping i'd have some of her babies to carry on her temperment and good looks, so far, it's not working out on that.
I am having a horrible hatch ratio so far. Lily, the hen on batch #2, hatched out 6. 9 for garbage. It seemed a high number, but she covered them all no problem as some were not standard size eggs. She barely budged for 21 days. i expected a better turnout. Not so much.
However. My daughter got to hatch baby #2 on her lap today. Yet again, eggs kicked out while hatching, one died, got too cold over night, I grabbed this egg this morning, as baby was trying so hard, even though it was so cold. and it is okay now, so cute. It is a definite survivor, I wish I would have grabbed them both last night, I could have saved two. I feel bad.
I have an array of colors, shades and sizes. they are cute.