Broody Hen

[bthastalent]

Hi, I have a hen that has been broody for about 5 days now. She is sitting on 3 Chicken Eggs and 2 Duck Eggs. The Chicken Eggs aren't fertile but the Duck Eggs are. Can Chickens brood on Duck Eggs as I don't want Her to be disappointed if they don't hatch. Thank You.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. I see this is your second thread started here on New Members Introductions. The best place for your question would be the Incubating and hatching eggs forum.

No matter, yes your hen can hatch duck eggs, but they take a days longer to hatch compared to chicken eggs. I'd suggest that you remove the infertile eggs - they are serving no purpose and could eventually explode under your hen - not something you need to deal with.

 

[eggbert420]

They will hatch and she will raise them. The first time they head for the water she will fip out.

 

[bthastalent]

Ok thank you. I will remove the infertile eggs and leave the fertile ones. What would you say is the best way of getting Eggs off the hen as she is quite protective.

 

[wcbpolish]

They will hatch and she will raise them. The first time they head for the water she will fip out.

Agreed. You'll have a grumpy wet hen, but no one will be worse for the wear (just be aware that she does not have the oil to help waterproof their down, so don't let them have water to swim in until they have feathered out)

 

[Pork Pie]

Ok thank you. I will remove the infertile eggs and leave the fertile ones. What would you say is the best way of getting Eggs off the hen as she is quite protective.

Either you wait until she leaves the nest to eat, bathe etc, or you grin and bear a good pecking I'm afraid.

 

[bthastalent]

Ok. Thank you.

 

[eggbert420]

Either you wait until she leaves the nest to eat, bathe etc, or you grin and bear a good pecking I'm afraid. 

x2

 

[redsoxs]

Agree wright advice above. Best wishes with your hatch.

 

[bthastalent]

Thank you.