Broody hen question.....

[Dreamwalker]

Our Barred Rock hen hatched out her fourth baby today.She has now taken the babies and left the nest.There are still eggs in the nest.In varying stages of development.At least 4 have started breaking their shells.The question in what to do for the eggs left in the nest?Should she go back to them when its time to go in?We don't have an incubator. A this is her first time for setting.Does anyone have any suggestions?Just don't want to lose any if there's a way to save them.Thanks for the help.

 

[thebanthams]

can you block her from leaving the nest? put her and babies back in nest and hope she will hatch them. or maybe put warm lamp over the eggs. with wet rag for moisture, hope they will hatch.

 

[Dreamwalker]

Thank you! We were wondering if that might work.Yes shes in a big crate type box.And they all were laying in the same nest.Till she decided to take over it.But the door can be covered and she can be kept inside.Do you think that any of the eggs may still hatch?She'd been off of them since around noon.I'm on my way out now to check on the babies.And see if she might of went back inside.If not I may bring the cracked ones in and fix them with a light.And thanks again for answering back.

 

[thebanthams]

some hens leave their nests for a while and eggs still hatch. Did she go back to her nest? If she abandon them you can try to candle the eggs and she what you find. it can be dud eggs and she knows that she doesnt want to sit on them ! By the way did any more hatch ?

 

[Dreamwalker]

At midnight she was in the box but in another nest.There was just the 4 babies this morning.And they were already out of the box at 6:00.I haven't checked the eggs yet.But will let you know on my way out there know.

 

[Dreamwalker]

When I checked she was still in the box.But not on the eggs.So will see what happens the next few days.Thanks for answering.

 

[Rohnasmom]

I personal would keep her in the box, let her decide whats best.After a few days, longer I would give up on the remaining eggs.