First time hatching eggs from a broody - Some advice please

[MaisyFleur]

Hi I have a very broody Silkie about 14 mths old who I have now decided to let her have some real eggs to sit on. I have picked up 12 silver laced wyandotte eggs and put them under her in the dark on Tues 26th Aug night. She is in the house in the spare bathroom in a big nest of shavings. I have noticed that she has not moved. She has not eaten, drunk or pooed!! Should I take her off each day and put her outside for a walk about and a feed or shoud I just let her go? I have put the food and water near her but she still hasn't touched them. I am just worried that she will become ill if I leave her alone

but also worried that if I keep moving her she won't sit on her eggs?? Any advice please.

 

[Teresaann24]

I wouldnt keep moving her just do what your doing with keeping her water near and feed. Just let her do her thing! She has to stay on those eggs for 21 days or your chances of them hatching become slim.

 

[Hotwings]

When a broody is setting on eggs she goes into a zen like trance. Make sure she has water and food nearby. I would candle the eggs from time to time to see how they are doing and get rid of the ones that aren't fertile or not progressing. She may accidently break a couple of eggs moving them around or they get caught under a wing. I am sure you will enjoy the experience of a broody and her chicks. I wish you luck.

 

[swtangel321]

make sure she eats, drinks, and poops.... hens can leave the nest for up to a half hour a day without harming the eggs.