Ella2025's Experiment Broody Hen Hatch-A-Long

[ella2025]

I came into the coop and found this egg. Looks like we have a new layer, but I'm not sure. I think (although I'm only 100% sure about like 3 chickens that they're laying) the only chicken not laying by now is Cindy the silkie, and she is only 24 weeks old. What are the chances this is her egg? Also I heard chickens will lay through their first winter? Is that true?

 

[ella2025]

Here is my egg harvest today because why not post it lol. 5 eggs today from 9 somewhat mature, probably all laying hens. 8 of you don't count Bippy not laying. I think my record is 5-6 so I'm happy!

 

[ella2025]

I think I'll do another candle between now and Sunday because of how iffy the eggs looked on Saturday. I'm thinking Wednesday.

 

[GreenJay]

Congrats on the new layer!

As for laying through first winter, probably depends on the breeds and y'all's winters. My mixed flock laid fairly well through their first winter but our winters are mostly mild, it was the short nights that slowed them down some. Second winter it was almost a complete stop of all of them.

 

[GreenJay]

Let's grow broody eggs!
go Ginger go!

 

[BoundlessLove]

Come on Saffron!!
Let’s grow Spice Eggs!

 

[ella2025]

Congrats on the new layer!

As for laying through first winter, probably depends on the breeds and y'all's winters. My mixed flock laid fairly well through their first winter but our winters are mostly mild, it was the short nights that slowed them down some. Second winter it was almost a complete stop of all of them.

Thank you! My winters here in ma are pretty harsh for u.s. standards.

 

[ella2025]

Here are the eggs In order. All are at least slightly cracked except 4 and 6 unfortunately. I will have to do a lot of nail polish work today. Hoping for the best.

 

[ella2025]

@GodLovesU

I think peppermint has a very strong chance of hatching! That is, if it makes it through lockdown and doesn't get stuck in that elongated egg.
The others I'm really starting to think will die. So many random things are happening to them and it's so sad to see them all with micro cracks on them. hopefully the nail polish will help. I need to find it and do it ASAP because I already saw the air cell becoming enormous on egg 5 (according to my understanding that means too much moisture loss right), which I was rooting for!

 

[ChickenChick46]

@GodLovesU

I think peppermint has a very strong chance of hatching!
The others I'm really starting to think will die. So many random things are happening to them and it's so sad to see them all with micro cracks on them. hopefully the nail polish will help. I need to find it and do it ASAP because I already saw the air cell becoming enormous on egg 5 (according to my understanding that means too much moisture loss right), which I was rooting for!

I'm sorry to hear that the others aren't looking so good. I'd try the nail polish thing. It can't hurt, and you'll know when/if the egg is dead, I'm sure.

You mentioned when you started this that you knew the pullet eggs were a gamble, so I hope you know that if they don't hatch it is not because of anything you've done.