Broody Question

[kris41]

OK, so I have tried hatching using an incubator once, horrible results. Then I had a hen go broody so I though I would give her a dozen eggs. She has been doing great, until two days ago when I saw that she had crushed one of her eggs. I was so bummed. Then yesterday, day 18, she decided that she isn't even going to get off the nest to poo and just sits there and does it. When I looked tonight, alot of the eggs are covered in poo and it is really stinky in there. Should I do anything, will the poo bother the babies, should I clean it after they hatch? I just hate to think of the babies hatching in the gross mess. Thanks so much.

Kristie

 

[Chicken Woman]

They usually don't leave the eggs after day 18.That is the reason we don't open our bators after day 18 so we won't lose humidity.
As for the poo i would let her take care of her babies.

 

[Dirt Road]

Some hens really aren't any good as broodies. That is not usually the case though. I would guess that your hen is being disturbed way too much. Probably too late to do much now if you're at day 18, except leave her alone and see what happens. Definitely clean out the mess after the chicks hatch. The broken egg will probably cause more problems than the "poo". Next time she goes broody try leaving her alone as much as possible. If you dusted her and the box before you set her, so she isn't being eaten alive by mites, and she doesn't have an over-anxious chicken wrangler rummaging around under her constantly she should do better. If not then I wouldn't use her again as a broody. Younger hens are usually a lot more nervous than older ones. Some of the older ones with more experience become so calm you can do about anything with them. Good luck!

Jim

 

[vfem]

Quote:
My hens manage to do fine. I would actual be more worried if she got off at this point. Just clean up the box after everyone is hatched and dried and walking about.

I usually freshen the nesting box the day after everyone hatches.

 

[kris41]

Thanks for the advise. She has been left alone most of the time. She is in a large dog crate in our sunroom and it is covered with a blanket. I candled once earlier, about day 12, only two eggs though because I didn't want to bother her. And then saw the crushed egg sticking out from under her, so I grabbed it and threw it out. Then when I couldn't stand the smell anymore, I just peeked and saw the yucky eggs. Other than those three times, the only time she is bothered is when I am refilling her food and water dish.

She is young though, only about 10 mths. I am glad to hear that I can clean it up after they hatch though.

Thanks so much. I can relax a bit now.

Kristie