Eggs are gone and I have a mess.

[Rodney903]

Does the fact that could not see through the eggs tell us anything? I am thinking that it is a good sign if we are close to hatching.

 

[cppeace]

Are they very dark shelled eggs? If so you may not be able to see much of anything. On all viable eggs if the light can pentrate the egg color you should see an air pocket at the bigger end. Clear is infertile.

 

[Rodney903]

They are brown, however I was able to see through one of the eggs. On the other four, they are solid dark inside.

 

[Rodney903]

What kind of problem do I get into if buy some chicks and place them with her? I really want my granddaughter to see them grow and have that that learning experience.

 

[cppeace]

That just depends on her mothering instinct. Most mama hens will not know the difference whether its her eggs or not if you sneak a few chicks under/around her. Just be prepared with a brooder in case she isn't a good mama.

 

[Free Feather]

Make sure she cannot see you doing it! Do it at night and be very quiet - sneak up on her. She needs to think that they were under her all along.

 

[Rodney903]

If I throw in the towel on this, how do i get her out of the broody behavior?

 

[cppeace]

remove her ability to get to the nest

 

[Percheron chick]

You are only at day 19. Wait at least 5 more days before you punt. She's a first timer so she's not versed in the ways of motherhood. She'll more than likely figure it out when they hatch. If nothing hatches, I would stuff 4 store bought chicks under her at night. You can't disappoint the gd. To break them I place mine in a wire dog crate with only feed, water and a roost. Place the crate where it has good air flow. It should take 4-7 days to snap out of it. With BOs, you will get lots of practice breaking them.

 

[Rodney903]

Ok so here is where I am. The last of the eggs have been remove and I will open them tomorrow to see what was going on. None of the DZ hatched. I have placed 6 chicks under her 11:30pm tonight. I am gong to blog the next week or so and I hope each of you will jump in anytime you have an idea. Thanks to each of you for your help and guidance you have given this newbie.