OVer a week ago we had one of our barred rock hens and one of our jersey giant roos go missing at bedtime. The next morning there they were outside of the coop. WE were so excited...we thought a hawk had got them. So the next night they were there but the following just the hen was gone again. She did not show back up the next morning or for the last week. We were sad thinking something had found her hiding spot and got her. Then yesterday she showed back up again. Then just half hour later I went back out and she was gone already. So my daughter said she thought she had a nest somewhere and had gone broody. I hadn't thought of that. So we hunted and hunted and found her nest under the deck right up against the house. She has at least 6 eggs under her. She got off again this morning and has been off for at least 1/2 hr. Is there a chance these eggs are going to make it at all? How long can they get off at a time and still have a successful hatch? We just did our first incubator hatches this spring and have never had a broody hen yet. I am concerned about such a late hatch w/it being very cold here overnight (south central IN) now. If they do hatch will Mama hen be able to keep them warm enough or should I take them from her and put them in a brooder? Any advice or thoughts would be great!!!
