Found a broody hen and eggs

[Hardheads Homestead]

I thought one of my chickens had gone missing but today I saw her so I followed her and found that she had a nest in the goat barn with 17eggs and she was broody! I moved her an the eggs to a safer location and she has stayed broody so I’m hoping to hatch some chicks for the first time?

Questions:
1. I’m pretty certain all 17 eggs are hers, all my other chickens have been laying in the nest boxes. Does that mean that some were probably laid before she got broody and won’t hatch?

2.She’s been “missing” for about two weeks. Does that mean I should be seeing chicks hatch here in another week or so?

3. I know 17 eggs is probably a lot for her. I have another broody hen, should I split the eggs between the two?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would just candle and keep an eye on any. It can help if you remove any empties at this point. She might have a few so that will lessen the brood size

 

[zhutson789]

I thought one of my chickens had gone missing but today I saw her so I followed her and found that she had a nest in the goat barn with 17eggs and she was broody! I moved her an the eggs to a safer location and she has stayed broody so I’m hoping to hatch some chicks for the first time?

Questions:
1. I’m pretty certain all 17 eggs are hers, all my other chickens have been laying in the nest boxes. Does that mean that some were probably laid before she got broody and won’t hatch?

2.She’s been “missing” for about two weeks. Does that mean I should be seeing chicks hatch here in another week or so?

3. I know 17 eggs is probably a lot for her. I have another broody hen, should I split the eggs between the two?

1. Yes they were probably layed a little before but that doesn’t mean that they won’t hatch.
2. At the earliest yes
3. You can split. The hen should take them nicely.

 

[Hidrainja4]

Do you know how to candle eggs? You can ditch the duds and split between the two broodys.
thus apply the wisdom "Do not put all your eggs in to one basket" or under a one broody hen.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I don't candle, I like to be surprised! Be careful if you candle, some people accidentally drop them and they crack. This is so exciting!!

 

[Hardheads Homestead]

Just tried candling. Only one seemed to have nothing in it. I split the 16 eggs between my two broody girls. Wish me luck!

 

[Hidrainja4]

PPLLEEAASSEE!!! keep us up to date on this adventure. Inquiring minds need to know- Did they hatch? How good were the broodies? Who's the Daddy? What are you going to do with sixteen more chickens?!

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

Just tried candling. Only one seemed to have nothing in it. I split the 16 eggs between my two broody girls. Wish me luck!

How are your broodies and eggs doing? Have you got any chicks yet. Best wishes.

 

[RainbowHen]

Hope all is well!