day 19 disaster, any hope? Updated!

[ajplmama]

One of my hens somehow got in with my broody hen that has been sitting on 10 eggs for 19 days. It looks like the intruder tried to take the eggs away from broody. I found the results when I went out to feed this evening. My broody hen had 4 warm eggs under her and 6 were moved away from her and partly buried. One had been broken and the well developed chick was dead. 4 were stone cold, one was cool. This could have happened up to 11 hours ago. I didn't check the eggs, just unburied them and put them within reach and broody pulled them under her.

Is there any chance they can survive this ordeal? I guess I'll find out in a couple of days.

 

[Habibs Hens]

its highly possible they will survive

during lockdown chicks can tolerate lower temps

so you may just have a chance

 

[SpiritedFarm]

Good luck! Keep us posted

 

[Sphinx]

I'd definitely keep them under the broody til at least day 23 or 24. I have heard stories of even more dire stories where the chick survived.

 

[ajplmama]

Thanks! I will definitely keep them under her long enough to be sure.

 

[ajplmama]

Update: One chick hatched late day 21. WE're now late day 22 and no more signs. I can hear very faint pecking inside the eggs.

 

[ajplmama]

Update: 2nd chick hatched on day 22 and another on day 23.

 

[SpiritedFarm]

How many eggs are left now? And congrats on the babies!!

 

[ajplmama]

Um, 5 or 6. I forget and didn't get a good look and I sort of forget if there was another dud or not. I think I'll wait to see if anything happens today but then consider getting rid of the rest. At least I can add a few birds to my flock. I'm hoping for a rooster but not 3

 

[Habibs Hens]

you might just be lucky

if you set 8 eggs you looking at 4 boys and 4 girls

take out the duds then you would be real unlucky to get all boys or all girls so i reckon either 2 boys&1 girl or 1 boy&2 girls

seems logical