Hatching eggs

[mw918903]

I've got a broody Australorp hen and I've decided to let her sit this bunch of eggs. However when she'd get off other hens would lay in her nest. She was laying on probably 2 dozen so I took about half from her and they're in my incubator. I checked and they are fertile but I have no clue when they'll hatch. Anyone have any idea when I should take my egg turner out? They've been in the incubator for a week now. One egg was cracked so I threw it away and it had a baby that was probably 2 1/2 inches long.

 

[drumstick diva]

Your broody needs some privacy, so no more hens dumping eggs with her, and no more visitors maybe stomping on her eggs. Next time write date on the eggs as she lays them, so you will know if other hens are using her nest.

I'm sorry I don't know the answers to your other questions. If you candle eggs - there are charts on BYC that show what the embryos look like at different ages. That might help you decide how far along the eggs are.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - like DD, i have no experience with incubators, but hopefully another member will be along soon to help you out with that one.

If you check out the Learning Centre, you'll find a whole host of resources on all things chicken.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Your state thread is worth joining as you will get to know other BYC members in your area (https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread). In fact, the search box should become your best friend

Lastly but by no means least, the members here are amazing - very friendly and helpful, so if you need an answer to a question or simply want some reassurance that what you are doing is ok, then post away - we all help each other out here at BYC.

All the best
CT

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Birdrain92]

I've got a broody Australorp hen and I've decided to let her sit this bunch of eggs. However when she'd get off other hens would lay in her nest. She was laying on probably 2 dozen so I took about half from her and they're in my incubator. I checked and they are fertile but I have no clue when they'll hatch. Anyone have any idea when I should take my egg turner out? They've been in the incubator for a week now. One egg was cracked so I threw it away and it had a baby that was probably 2 1/2 inches long.

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock! Do you have an idea when your hen started brooding eggs? Chicken eggs take 21 days and you would take the turner out when you reach 18 days. I don't use egg turners. I prefer to do everything by hand. It tells you if the eggs are developing, which eggs are bad, how close they are to hatching, and if they are hatching.

 

[N F C]

Good luck with hatching!

 

[mw918903]

Thanks for the input! She is in her own private coop now. I had been moving her and getting her eggs but I decided is let her sit since she's pretty determined! I wasn't going to let her but then changed my mind so I have no clue how long she's been setting this batch of eggs. For sure over a week and a half. I normally put the ones I want to hatch in the incubator. Just wondering if I take the turner out and don't turn the eggs if they'll be ok. I would imagine they'd hatch within the next week. I guess I'll just watch for them to start piping and I'll have my answer! Thanks!