Clutch on ground

[amy_t76]

We found our silkie hen sitting on eggs on the ground (she had several nesting boxes to choose from). We were unsure of how long she’d been setting but marked the day we found her. She should have hatched this weekend. I candles the eggs and some still look alive. So my question is, could cold weather, with eggs on the ground, cause a longer setting time?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So my question is, could cold weather, with eggs on the ground, cause a longer setting time?

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

In general... I'm gonna say no.. the ground is fairly well insulated and many bird species build their nests ONLY on the ground.

How cold is "cold weather"? How many eggs is she sitting on? Did she get more added by other hens or have only her original eggs?

Adding your general location to your profile can help folks make there best suggestion possible at a glance.

I would still be patient since you think some look viable. If you're able maybe post pics of what you are seeing at candle. Do a sniff test and discard any stinking eggs. Listen for peeping from inside the egg.

If she has nothing hatch within the next day or sometime this week.. I MIGHT consider discarding the eggs and adopting her a couple feed store chicks during the night or just breaking her if needed.. Please don't let her sit again for a full session to start over as it's very hard on their body.