Chicks dying under broody

[jlw848]

This is our first time trying to hatch eggs under a broody, and it's not ending too well. She is separated from the flock, and started with 9 eggs under her. She is down to only 3 now - 2 were rotten, 3 mysteriously disappeared, 1 pipped yesterday, made it 3/4 of the way out and was found flattened under broody today.

It has been unseasonably cool here - it dipped into the low 50s last night and is only in the 60s during the day. It has been in the 70s and 80s. Could this be affecting the eggs? She is in a separate crate, protected from wind with a heat lamp near. How long should I let her sit on the remaining 3 before returning her to her flock? We are on day 21 today. No pips or movement on the remaining 3 eggs. We are getting pretty bummed

 

[nchls school]

This is our first time trying to hatch eggs under a broody, and it's not ending too well. She is separated from the flock, and started with 9 eggs under her. She is down to only 3 now - 2 were rotten, 3 mysteriously disappeared, 1 pipped yesterday, made it 3/4 of the way out and was found flattened under broody today.

It has been unseasonably cool here - it dipped into the low 50s last night and is only in the 60s during the day. It has been in the 70s and 80s. Could this be affecting the eggs? She is in a separate crate, protected from wind with a heat lamp near. How long should I let her sit on the remaining 3 before returning her to her flock? We are on day 21 today. No pips or movement on the remaining 3 eggs. We are getting pretty bummed

Is this a large hen. Many hens will try to hatch eggs, but size is a factor in success. I have had large hens break eggs, flatten chicks, etc. all because they were large and clumsy. Weather should not be a factor. I've had hens hatch chicks in the late fall, winter, and very early spring.

For a really good broody hen look at the medium size and bantam size hens. Silkies are my favorite.

 

[jlw848]

She's our biggest girl. We are past 21 days now with no signs of movement in the remaining 3 eggs. How long before I take the eggs? Will she be ok if we just return her back to the flock?

 

[jlw848]

The one that did hatch was found completely flattened underneath her

 

[gus2pp]

How sad for you! I'm so sorry. I had a hen hatch some eggs out in 40/50 degree weather recently, and the chicks were fine. I wonder if the heat lamp is making her too warm. If she is protected from the wind, she would be fine without it.

After having her set for a full round, I would break her broodiness. You'll need to separate her from any thing that looks like a nest. I've only ever broken a broody hen once. I left her in our run over night (we live in an are where we've never seen predictors for over four years, so I felt safe doing this). In the morning she was snapped out of it. If she goes broody again, I'd probably try her out once more, just to see. Also try making sure her crate is giving her enough room to shift on her nest. I use a large dog crate for our large broodies, and have never had this sort of thing happen. Just some thoughts.

 

[nchls school]

She's our biggest girl. We are past 21 days now with no signs of movement in the remaining 3 eggs. How long before I take the eggs? Will she be ok if we just return her back to the flock?

After 25 days return her to the flock. I'd recommend that you use a smaller hen for future efforts at hatching eggs. Those big girls, do better with large eggs,-turkey, large duck, goose, extra large chicken eggs, etc.