Broody hen

[aurajean515]

My Austrolorp hen, Annie, has been sitting on 13 eggs for about a week. There were 15 but I took two because I was worried it was too much for her. I have hatched smaller broods in the past, 7-10 chicks, but I’m worried 13 is also too much? I’ve candled the eggs and theres defintiely something growing in all of them. When I checked on her this morning though, some of them were cold or had cold spots. Now I’m worried they’re all going to die. Thoughts?

 

[sourland]

You candled and saw development indicating that things are going well. As long as she has a well constructed nest (bowl shaped) so that eggs don't roll away from her, just leave her alone. If she is not adequately covering the eggs provide nesting material to create a proper nest.

 

[mainelychic]

My Austrolorp hen, Annie, has been sitting on 13 eggs for about a week. There were 15 but I took two because I was worried it was too much for her. I have hatched smaller broods in the past, 7-10 chicks, but I’m worried 13 is also too much? I’ve candled the eggs and theres defintiely something growing in all of them. When I checked on her this morning though, some of them were cold or had cold spots. Now I’m worried they’re all going to die. Thoughts?

Best of Luck! I have 2 hens that have gone broody. They're 1st times and mine as well. I did separate them from the rest of the flock. They can still see them but just put up a temporary wall.

 

[aurajean515]

Thanks guys! I did decide to move her into a Dog crate, I went out to check on the girls this morning and found her on a completely different clutch of eggs in a different nest box. Hopefully all is OK!