Hatching Eggs & Broody Hen

[rehric00]

To give some background... we just moved. Prior to moving, my hens were always broody- Im talking one hen in each of my 6 nesting boxes ALL the time, whether or not there were eggs in there. I hatched some eggs out for my neighbor.

We have been in our new location about 3 weeks now. (Yes I moved my hens and coop). On the 3rd night, the coop didn't get closed and we had a visited from a fox. It got 4 of my hens. I have replaced those 4. But, I also ordered some rather pricey hatching eggs on Ebay, since we are settled and I want to increase my numbers. I am not sure we have a broody hen now.

The eggs are due to arrive today. I do not have an incubator. My only hope is that the momma that hatched the last batch will sit on these- but she has a baby with her (just one though). Sometimes she is sitting on eggs when I go to check on the coop.

Any thoughts? If I put most of the eggs in there at once, will it stimulate someone to sit on them???

 

[silkiecuddles]

Broodies are so unpredictable. The hen sitting on the chick may sit on the eggs. Is she still on the nest or is she up most of the time?

 

[rehric00]

up most of the time. I am wondering if i remove the chick if she will sit on the eggs? I hate to do that- but i spent quite a bit on these eggs. i put them out there today and noone it sitting. i wish i could lock a hen in there

ive tried having a nice talk with them, i even gave them extra treats.. but no one wants to give in...

 

[silkiecuddles]

Perhaps. You could try moving it