I bought some hatching eggs on here on Friday eve. I had planned to put them under a broody hen when they arrive today. As nature would have it, my broody hen decided to stop being broody on Saturday. Figures, right?
I have one hen who just hatched 5 chicks, and one hen who is setting on 6 eggs due to hatch this Sunday. When I get the new eggs, can I place them under the hen with eggs and give her chicks to the other momma when they hatch, so that she can still set on the eggs that need more time? I know she won't continue to set once she starts hatching chicks, and I don't want to waste these new eggs. She is in good condition, not thin at all, and I have seen her go drink water and eat feed while she's setting. Would letting her set for 2 extra weeks hurt? Would momma hen #1 accept the chicks so long as I integrate them at night?
I don't have an incubator and would really like to hatch eggs naturally.
I have one hen who just hatched 5 chicks, and one hen who is setting on 6 eggs due to hatch this Sunday. When I get the new eggs, can I place them under the hen with eggs and give her chicks to the other momma when they hatch, so that she can still set on the eggs that need more time? I know she won't continue to set once she starts hatching chicks, and I don't want to waste these new eggs. She is in good condition, not thin at all, and I have seen her go drink water and eat feed while she's setting. Would letting her set for 2 extra weeks hurt? Would momma hen #1 accept the chicks so long as I integrate them at night?
I don't have an incubator and would really like to hatch eggs naturally.
