Broody now sitting on poopy eggs!

[suzndannie]

OK, an unusual topic.. no wonder I couldn't find a thread on this already!

However... Our (1st time broody) 17 month old Australorp (sitting in a clean nest, initially) was given 6 eggs to hatch over the past week. She seems not to get off the nest on her own, but my daughter will gently remove her every other day or so to try to get her to eat/drink. Yesterday, when she took her off, she went to dust bathe... and we found that every egg in her nest was dirty (looks like smeared poop). Did she poop on them?! Do chickens have potty accidents?

So, wondering if we should move her & the eggs, wash the eggs, take her to go poop elsewhere once a day ... (Open to suggestions!) btw, my apologies if these are ridiculously stupid questions. Just trying not to interrupt the hatch.

 

[chickybaby1213]

If you are going to wash them you should be eating them. But she probably is being broody and just doesent want to leave them for ANYTHING.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

OK, an unusual topic.. no wonder I couldn't find a thread on this already!

However... Our (1st time broody) 17 month old Australorp (sitting in a clean nest, initially) was given 6 eggs to hatch over the past week. She seems not to get off the nest on her own, but my daughter will gently remove her every other day or so to try to get her to eat/drink. Yesterday, when she took her off, she went to dust bathe... and we found that every egg in her nest was dirty (looks like smeared poop). Did she poop on them?! Do chickens have potty accidents?

So, wondering if we should move her & the eggs, wash the eggs, take her to go poop elsewhere once a day ... (Open to suggestions!) btw, my apologies if these are ridiculously stupid questions. Just trying not to interrupt the hatch.

Don't wash off the natural bloom..

 

[chickens really]

Do not wash them......They will be fine and will hatch...The poop with come off under the Hen...No need to remove her daily...Just provide food and water close to her...She will get off when she needs too...

 

[suzndannie]

Thanks very much! Update: She has moved the eggs a couple of times to nearby areas, and we've observed her going downstairs once in a while. One day, she spent maybe too much time away from the eggs; we noticed that they were cool while she was away! Idk if that's a problem. Another week or so 'til they either hatch.. or don't! Thanks again!!