Giving a broody hen shipped eggs

[Tuhmu]

So I received quite a few extra eggs from a shipment I received today and I don't think I can fit them all in my incubator, haven't tried yet though. Was just curious if anyone else has ever given a broody hen "shipped" eggs? I know I have to take a lot of other steps for incubating them so that the air cell attaches, but I'm not sure if I can convince my broody hen to keep them upright...... I have personally not seen this batch of eggs yet, had my neighbors pick them up from the PO and put them in an egg carton till I get home, so I don't know if the air cells are even detached or not?

If anyone would like to chime in on this, it would be much appreciated. I have been lucky enough to have a hen that really really wants her own flufferbutts and the golf balls she currently has just aren't doing it for her; thought this would be a good way to make her happy (this is her second try this winter, tried earlier in November for a month and half) and to get the most out of this egg shipment.

I was originally planning on sneaking the chicks from my incubator under her anyway, but if she could get her own that would be fine too...could still probably give her a couple.

 

[Tuhmu]

I might be able stack them if the broody hen theory doesn't work out, and toss out any that are clear or not developing. Like I said, I haven't been home yet to see what my options are, just trying to think it out ahead of time...and of course being a big worrywart.....will be first time hatching, but after spending close to two years reading as much as I can about it it seems like I've already hatched several times haha.

 

[Tuhmu]

I was able to stuff them all (31 to be exact) in my incubator. But would still be curious if you can give a hen "shipped" eggs. I always see posts about giving a broody hen eggs, but haven't found anything saying the eggs were shipped. Any insight would be appreciated, thank you.

 

[dstinett]

I posted same question and can't get a response. My eggs arrive tomorrow. I'm torn between incubator and broody

 

[Teila]

Hi

I gave my broody Pekin Bantam shipped bantam eggs. It was my first experience with shipped eggs.

They were well packed, overnight express post and all 13 arrived intact.
If you leave them to sit for 24 hours after they arrive, the air cells apparently 'reorganize' themselves and you can then give them to your broody.

Cilla was able to sit on 9 of the eggs, 7 hatched, sadly two chicks passed away on the first night.

7 from 9 is a pretty good hatch rate for shipped eggs I think.

 

[dstinett]

That's a great rate. thanks so much.

 

[Tuhmu]

That is a good hatch rate! Congrats!






Edit - good not hood

 

[Tuhmu]

Finally broke down and bought my broody hen (after failing to get her to stop being broody) some shipped eggs. Going to let them sit till tomorrow morning and give them to her. Will keep this updated for anyone else curious about this. There really wasn't much information on the topic, unless its just so common knowledge to not give a hen shipped eggs or do give her shipped eggs.

 

[dstinett]

I've been seeing more positive than negative

 

[cazychicgirl]

I'm curious too! My Cochin hatched out chicks earlier this spring from some of my chickens fertile eggs. But after my speckled Sussex went broody a week ago I thought I would try hatching out some sizzles and black marans. I should be getting a total of 14 eggs in a day or so and I am hoping she will be able to hatch out at least half. Do you all think that's too many eggs for her to cover? She is currently setting on 12 fake eggs, and seems to be covering them just fine.
Also I live in TN and it's starting to get rather warm. I'm worried she is going to get too hot in the coop. I have the door and windows open but should I get her a fan? Any suggestions on how to keep her from getting over heated??