Broody moved her chicks off the nest, what to do with remaining eggs?

[gritsar]

My broody and her three chicks that hatched yesterday are in a large, german shepherd sized, dog crate within the coop. She hatched the chicks yesterday. Now she has moved her 3 chicks from the "nest" in the center of the crate more to the front; leaving behind the eggshells, a pile of poo, and the four remaining eggs.

I intend to open the crate door this afternoon for a bit, once all the other hens have finished laying and I can lock them out. This will allow the mama to bring the chicks out to explore the coop in peace. This is what I did with my last broody. While she's off the nest I will put in fresh hay and remove the eggshells and poo.

My question concerns the remaining eggs. I think she's given up on them, otherwise she would have never moved her nest. Do I leave them a little longer, toss them or bring them in to a bator? Today is day 22.

 

[ranchhand]

Candle first. Then decide where to go with them.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

If you want to be sure, though mama hens do know best, you can hold each egg to your ear for a minute or two.
You will hear cheeping and movement if they are still alive.

 

[gritsar]

Okay, I stink at candling, but I'll do my best. I'll also listen like you suggested PaulaJo. Thanks

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
To candle, I use a tp roll that still has an inch or so of paper on it still.
I can squish the roll to fit the egg nicely.
Then I use either my head lamp or a real good flashlight on the other side.

You can also tell by the weight when you pick them up if they were even viable in the first place.
Still heavy, then just toss. Light weight, then check by other means.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
To candle, I use a tp roll that still has an inch or so of paper on it still.
I can squish the roll to fit the egg nicely.
Then I use either my head lamp or a real good flashlight on the other side.

You can also tell by the weight when you pick them up if they were even viable in the first place.
Still heavy, then just toss. Light weight, then check by other means.

Thanks