Hatching questions

[apryl]

I have a hen that went broody. I had left her eggs for her starting around March 15th. When I noticed her not leaving the box, she had 11 eggs and it was March 23rd. She would get off them to eat, poop and run back to the box (max time away about 5 minutes). We went out of town March 25th-27th. The next time I was able to see/count eggs was April 1, there were 15. I realize 15 is too many for one hen, but I wasn't sure how to go about thinning them out, so I left all 15.

I did some reading on candling. I attempted this but my maglite obviously isn't bright enough, as I can't really see through the eggs at all.

Do I count the 21 days from April 1st (when I found 15 eggs vs the 11 she was sitting on back on the 23rd?) Obviously there is a 9 day difference and 9 days is a lot when you only go 21 days.

Also, My 1 rooster disappeared March 21st, he may have gone to one of the farms on either side of us, however there was a breech in security on the chicken coop, and I think a coon/fox probably got him. So then in all probability would only the first 11 eggs be fertilized or is there a chance that all 15 are?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

If any eggs are fertile from your first date and hatch (they should start tomorrow if your date is correct) - your broody will leave the nest and abandon the late date eggs. If none of the first date hatch, then your hen will stay on the nest waiting for any egg to hatch.

Do you have an incubator to put the late date eggs into if the first date eggs hatch?


You might not have been able to see thru the egg due to the size of the chick when you candled. Have you tried candling the other eggs?


Given the date your rooster disappeared and your hen went broody, I would think the eggs are still fertile. I would stop by the farms, with a picture if I had one - and look for my roo. Never know, he might be there.

 

[sheila3935]

I havr a broody right now that is due about the same time hers is the 14 th. She has one egg that I dont know if someone laid in her nest when she got up but it is about a week behind so I am firing up the incubator tonight so I can finish that one off. From what I have been told she wont set longer than a few days after they start to hatch and since this one is developing I dont want it to die. They arent anything special just barnyard mixes but I cant leave it to die. So if you have an incubator put the late ones in it to see if they will hatch.

 

[apryl]

Thanks for the replies. I have had 11 hatch out of the 15 since 8pm last night, the last time I checked on them... and noon today. I will start a new thread with the pictures I was able to get. Momma is very protective, I moved her slightly to see how many I had, I noticed either 3 or 4 eggs under her still but cant tell if they have pipped or not.