Can I put eggs under my broody hen during the day?

[KYTinpusher]

I have a very broody hen and I have just sectioned off an area of the coop for her. I have eggs in the incubator on day 17 that I want to put under her. Can I do it during the day, or is it best to wait until night? Thank you for your input!

 

[Eggcessive]

You should be sure she has been sitting for a bit before risking your eggs this close before day 18 when you shouldn't touch them. You might give yourself some insurance by only putting half under her. It is easy enough to slip chicks under her the first day. I would go ahead and move the eggs ASAP. I have hatched a few times, but am not an expert.

 

[KYTinpusher]

You should be sure she has been sitting for a bit before risking your eggs this close before day 18 when you shouldn't touch them. You might give yourself some insurance by only putting half under her. It is easy enough to slip chicks under her the first day. I would go ahead and move the eggs ASAP. I have hatched a few times, but am not an expert.

She has been sitting solidly for at least 3 weeks. She has a fake egg I let her keep, but I have been taking all the other eggs that the girls give her. She is only out of the nest for a few minutes each day to eat and drink. I have 7 eggs at day 17. Not that I want to lose them, but they are all replaceable within a couple days' time, so I am willing to risk them on a first time mom.

 

[donrae]

I've put eggs under my broody hens during the day no problems. Around here it's usually just collect them from the coop and put them under the hen the same morning.

 

[KYTinpusher]

Thanks for your input! My hen is happily sitting on 7 eggs now. I'll try to post an update in a few days after they hatch.