Let your broody hen do her job! Generally they know what they are doing. Keep an eye on her, obviously, to make sure that she does not abandon the eggs but if she is sitting happily, leave her be. She will get off the nest to poop, (usually an enormous one, so don't freak out) and eat and drink, but she will return to the nest and all will be well. In about 21 days you should have some chicks!Hi everyone! My gorgeous silkie rooster and his ladies have started family! I have some fertile eggs, and my hen is sitting on them. I just wanted to ask for any tips and tricks. This is my very first time trying to hatch eggs. Any advice for a hatching newbie?
Awesome, thank you! Should I at some point candle the eggs or something? I'm hoping they're definitely fertile.
Yes you can candle them. Wait till about day 7-10 and have a look. If your broody objects strongly to you bothering her, try doing it at night and then just slipping the eggs back under her. Is she exposed to the other hens while she is sitting? If so, you might think about a: moving her to a secluded nest box so the other hens do not lay more eggs with her, or b: marking the current eggs so you know which are the ones she is sitting on. Try to avoid a staggered hatch by leaving newly laid eggs under her. Chances are she will not sit for the whole clutch if there is too big a time span between hatchlings.
This may help.Hi everyone! My gorgeous silkie rooster and his ladies have started family! I have some fertile eggs, and my hen is sitting on them. I just wanted to ask for any tips and tricks. This is my very first time trying to hatch eggs. Any advice for a hatching newbie?
