Broody Hen Receives her Eggs! (questions at the end)

[A.M. Eggs]

Hi everyone! For the last few days, I have watched as my buff orpington, Lei Ming, became broody. She has done this once before, so I knew that I would be successful with her. When she finally sat down in a nesting box permanently, I knew it was time. I set up her broody house and waited for nightfall. Night finally came and I went outside to move her. I placed fake eggs in a corner where I wanted her to nest. Luckily for me, she immediately recognized the broody house and accepted the fake eggs. I waited nearly 24 hours before giving her my selection of eggs.

Last time she was broody I gave her 7 eggs to hatch. She hatched out all 7 chicks successfully. This time I am giving her a dozen. I chose 7 blue eggs, 3 brown eggs, and two white. The reason why I chose 7 blue eggs is because I have a sick blue-egg-laying hen. I have a total of three blue egg layers, including her, so I picked out several different shades and shapes. The brown eggs are supposed to be two of my dark brahma hen's and one of the broody's own. The white eggs are randomly selected.

I do have a few questions about the eggs I set though. Some of the eggs could have been laid up to a week ago. Could this hinder their fertility? I also want to know when I will be able to candle the eggs.

Chicks are due April 9th!

Thanks!

 

[wamtazlady]

My hen always runs away to have her chicks. She always comes back with 10, all the same age. That must mean that she doesn't sit until the last egg is laid, 10 days after laying the first egg. Your 1 week old egg should be fine.

I have read that you can candle about day 7. Before that you probably wouldn't see much.