Broody hen and purchased eggs help

[juliejohnson805]

Okay, I admit it I can get overzealous and excited when I get an idea. I'm learning as I go. I have a Buff Orphington that has been sitting on a nest for several days. My cockerel is still young and not experienced yet so I figure I dont have consistent fertile eggs yet. I purchased a dozen from someone. I have a broody area set up within the coop/run area. (I have used the area in the past when I have new chicks so they are raised with the flock but seperate.) I fixed her a nice nest and put the eggs into it and then I moved her into the area. Straight from laying nest to new nest. She won't have anything to do with it!!!! She has been dust bathing and preening and is very vocal but is totally oblivious to the nest. Do I need to do anything else? Have I made a major newbie mistake?

 

[Broodygranny]

Usually it is best to let her sit on the old nest, if that is a option. You can switch the eggs if you want at night, but do it quickly while she is sleeping. Your eggs may be fertilized so you may not need to switch them at all. I have gotten decent hatch rates from a 7 month old rooster with 11 hens. I hope it works out for you, whatever you choose to do. I hope she goes back to sitting for you! My hens have stopped sitting in the past when I tried to move them, I hope she sits for you.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Okay, I admit it I can get overzealous and excited when I get an idea. I'm learning as I go. I have a Buff Orphington that has been sitting on a nest for several days. My cockerel is still young and not experienced yet so I figure I dont have consistent fertile eggs yet. I purchased a dozen from someone. I have a broody area set up within the coop/run area. (I have used the area in the past when I have new chicks so they are raised with the flock but seperate.) I fixed her a nice nest and put the eggs into it and then I moved her into the area. Straight from laying nest to new nest. She won't have anything to do with it!!!! She has been dust bathing and preening and is very vocal but is totally oblivious to the nest. Do I need to do anything else? Have I made a major newbie mistake?

what @Broodygranny said

 

[juliejohnson805]

Usually it is best to let her sit on the old nest, if that is a option. You can switch the eggs if you want at night, but do it quickly while she is sleeping. Your eggs may be fertilized so you may not need to switch them at all. I have gotten decent hatch rates from a 7 month old rooster with 11 hens. I hope it works out for you, whatever you choose to do. I hope she goes back to sitting for you! My hens have stopped sitting in the past when I tried to move them, I hope she sits for you.

I would have left her but the nest is elevated and I would have to move her at some point. Hoping shes on nest in the morning. If not I dont know whether I need to move her or the eggs. I have another hen who is trying to sit too.I just felt like the BO would be a better mom. Am I right in thinking the eggs should still be okay tomorrow?

 

[50-45-1]

Is the new nest broody box dark?
Move her after dark, she wont like to move around then. By morning she my decide its not so bad.
Dark, quiet and safe, thats what they like.

 

[juliejohnson805]

Is the new nest broody box dark?
Move her after dark, she wont like to move around then. By morning she my decide its not so bad.
Dark, quiet and safe, thats what they like.

No its not really dark. Our coop is elevated so we had made the area under it enclosed with wire so it is a part of the flock but separate for safety sake. We have used it with great success for new chicks. I put a plastic tote in there full of nesting stuff with the eggs in it already. I'll put hubby on it we might can add some wood around it to make it darker. Or we can use a dog crate and move her closer to house.

She was not on the nest this morning so I might be out of luck.

Are the eggs still viable?