Broody chicken is leaving her eggs!

[SquirrelGirl]

Oooo thanks PortageGirl!!

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
When you move her make sure to do it after dark. You have a much better chance of her staying on the nest that way. I had to move a broody and it didn't work out. It might of been because I couldn't wait until full dark or just as likely because she's a goofy BR and they aren't usually prone to broodiness. Anyhow, like portageGirl (I think) said, it's amazing what you can do when they're sleepy.

 

[chicklin]

If I remember correctly..... You need to wait probly about three days and candle the eggs to see if they are duds or not. If they are fertile you should see veins spread out in the egg. If they are duds you'll probly see no veins and just a normal egg with a yolk inside it

 

[SquirrelGirl]

Ok Thanks guys! It has been getting pretty cold at night though.. think its ok?

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
I'd be more concerned about wet and/or windy weather then the cold--unless you're talking below freezing for a good part of the night. Are you thinking about leaving her where she's at or thinking ahead to how the chicks will do?

 

[SquirrelGirl]

Im thinking about putting her eggs in the coop tomorrow night and then sticking her in the coop with them. (and closing the coop door so she stays in). I am just worried about her not sitting on them for too long and them getting too cold. It is about 40 here at night now.

How far off the ground should nesting boxes be? I have them on the ground but want to raise them.. I think that may be why they are not using them.

 

[PortageGirl]

possibly they don't feel safe enough with them all the way on the floor. People say to raise them from 12 to 24 inches off the ground, I have mine raised just on cement blocks, which is less than that I think, but it was easy and I was alone. Kinda heavy to lift and fasten so I did this... they liked it so I never changed it.

Keep in mind, if she's right in the coop, the other hens will pester her and possibly add eggs, so be sure to mark the ones she has now so you can remove any new ones.