Hatching question

[eggsulli]

I have a hen that started getting really broody about a month ago. I let her start setting, and even snuck in a couple eggs to speed things up. I currently have one rooster mixed in with about 30 hens. I realize the ratio is off, however he started as a "she" and I decided that one rooster was okay. Anyhow, I separated the broody hen from the main flock, and placed her in a solitary confinement with food/water. I moved her eggs also. It's been 4+weeks plus since she started, 2 days ago one chick hatched. I assume that's it. No more chicks from this batch. Out of 24 eggs, I'm surprised only one hatched. Thoughts?

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

If one hatched yesterday, it is still possible that more could hatch today or tomorrow, so I would wait first to see how many hatch. Then, as far as the rooster goes, what size is he? Usually a larger rooster services less hens than one of medium stature. How old is he? Most roosters of medium stature could service about 10 hens where a large rooster like a Brahma or Jersey Giant maybe only 3 to 5. I hope this helps.

 

[eggsulli]

Thanks for taking time to respond Lisa. My rooster is a Blue Lace Wyandotte, he's about 1 year old now. I'll try to find time tonight and candle some. I did the old fashioned test last week, one of the 3 I cracked had a chick . My hen thought she was bigger, she attempted to set on 26 eggs, so that could be part of the problem. Thanks again. Damon

 

[CorinneP]

I think it does the Hen Good to let her decide when to stop .. They seem to know when there isn't a chance any more.. They start getting up and leaving the eggs more and more.. and eventually will ignore them all together .. I don't know maybe I put to much into it but I fear it makes her nervous and she has a chick to attend to .. I just let them decided.. when they get nasty and cold and I fear might make a mess I start sneaking them out slowly .. I Might share this too.. once I was sure three days after I took a couple eggs out and decided to check if they were fertilized. opening them I saw they were about 98 percent developed and were just absorbing the yolk .. I couldn't help but wonder what the morning might have brought .. I felt horrible !