First Broody Hen!

[Jules66]

I have one year old BO setting. She has left her nest on three distinct occasions for many hours at a time. I candles the eggs at 2 weeks and they appeared appropriately developed. What are the chances they are viable? They are due Monday 8/17.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Is it really hot where you are?

It is not good that she leaves the nest for hours. That is showing fickleness on her part (which is often problematic in commercial quality BO, they don't have good brooding genetics being selected for egg production).

However, I have had numerous mishaps on nests that left them unattended for a number of hours and still had some hatchings. It does cut down on hatch success. Generally I get a 50% hatch rate if there has been neglect.

So it's worth a try. You might attempt to block her into the nest better so she doesn't get distracted foraging with the flock. If she just has a small area to eat, drink, and take care of her needs, she may be more inclined to attend to her nest....or panic if she can't get out. I personally have not had good luck with BO brooding for this very reason.

LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

 

[Jules66]

Is it really hot where you are?

It is not good that she leaves the nest for hours. That is showing fickleness on her part (which is often problematic in commercial quality BO, they don't have good brooding genetics being selected for egg production).

However, I have had numerous mishaps on nests that left them unattended for a number of hours and still had some hatchings. It does cut down on hatch success. Generally I get a 50% hatch rate if there has been neglect.

So it's worth a try. You might attempt to block her into the nest better so she doesn't get distracted foraging with the flock. If she just has a small area to eat, drink, and take care of her needs, she may be more inclined to attend to her nest....or panic if she can't get out. I personally have not had good luck with BO brooding for this very reason.

LofMc

Thanks for your insight

 

[Jules66]

(it is very hot.)

 

[Lady of McCamley]

(it is very hot.)

If it is very hot, brooding hens will leave the nest more often and let the eggs sit...not for hours...but often up to an hour. They can overheat in the covered coop, and the nest can get to warm.

You have pretty good chances for success if she has been leaving the nest on very hot days. She should not neglect it though.

LofMc

 

[Jules66]

Thanks for your insight

I replied in a new thread. This was my fist post. I'm uncomfortable with forums. It is very hot.