Egglaying question

[jjandm]

Hello there -

We live in Hawaii and have plenty of wild chickens in our community. We have found some eggs in our backyard, which are increasing by one every day. It started out with one a couple of days ago, and we now have three. There is no hen sitting on them. Would the hen start sitting on them right away, or would she wait until she reaches a certain amount before doing so? Or are they the regular eggs hens lay? Also, do hens tend to lay regular eggs a sign of 'gratitude' (not sure this is the right word, lol), near homes of people who feed them?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[cluckkatie]

They probably don't know where to lay their eggs if they are wild chickens, so I suppose they chose your spot as a laying spot. If the eggs were fertile, I think a rooster would have had to come sit on the egg for it to be fertilized. However, a simple test to see what's inside is something called candling? You can shine a flashlight on the egg I think. Please forgive me if I'm wrong, I'm just trying to remember what bits and pieces of info I've heard from various books.

 

[Welshies]

They probably don't know where to lay their eggs if they are wild chickens, so I suppose they chose your spot as a laying spot. If the eggs were fertile, I think a rooster would have had to come sit on the egg for it to be fertilized. However, a simple test to see what's inside is something called candling? You can shine a flashlight on the egg I think. Please forgive me if I'm wrong, I'm just trying to remember what bits and pieces of info I've heard from various books.

The rooster mates with the female to produce fertile eggs.
Wait a few days and see if she eventually sits on them. Don't disturb them.

 

[Stayc]

In my experience the hens wait until they have a big enough clutch of eggs, then begin to nest. For some it can be 10 for some more than that. If there hasn't been a rooster spotted, give it time. The eggs are good for weeks after lay as long as its not freezing temps and as long as they aren't too hot. I would keep an eye on the activity. Best of luck!!

 

[aart]

Hello there -

We live in Hawaii and have plenty of wild chickens in our community. We have found some eggs in our backyard, which are increasing by one every day. It started out with one a couple of days ago, and we now have three. There is no hen sitting on them. Would the hen start sitting on them right away, or would she wait until she reaches a certain amount before doing so? Or are they the regular eggs hens lay? Also, do hens tend to lay regular eggs a sign of 'gratitude' (not sure this is the right word, lol), near homes of people who feed them?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Chickens lay eggs where they feel safe.
If you've been feeding them, grab the eggs and eat them.
Maybe leave some fake eggs so she'll keep coming back.
HI certainly doesn't need any more chicks hatching.