Hatching under a broody- are the eggs done hatching???

[WaddleWaddle]

Yesterday was day 21 and 4 chicks have hatched out of 8. There are still 4 eggs in the nest without any pips that I can see. The hen has been very dedicated this entire time and in an enclosed 2'x6' area in the coop. She got up for food and water and her 4 chicks followed her. She ate and drank and went back to the nest with the chicks but has since moved off the nest with the chicks leaving the 4 unhatched eggs. Should I remove those eggs or wait? We are on day 22 now.

 

[sourland]

Did you candle the eggs while she was setting? If they were fertile and developing, you might want to rig a 'temporary' incubator to warm them for another day or so.

 

[WaddleWaddle]

I did candle them while she was setting. It was on day 17/18. I will try to rig something up. Should I candle them before trying to incubate them?

 

[sourland]

I would just go ahead and try to supply heat to them. Very frequently a hen will leave the nest site within 24 to 36 hours of the first chick hatching. There are probably several inborn instinctive reasons for this.

 

[WaddleWaddle]

Once I get them in how long should I give them before giving up on them?

 

[sourland]

Well, if they are chilled, it will take them a bit to warm up - I'd go at least another 24 to 36 hours. Good luck. This is one reason that I do not like staggered hatches - where eggs are added to the clutch during the incubation period.

 

[WaddleWaddle]

They were all set at the same time. They were shipped eggs.

 

[sourland]

Try getting them warm again (tricky without another broody hen or an incubator). Some will tell you that 50% hatch on shipped eggs is good, but I hope that you hatch more.

 

[WaddleWaddle]

Silly me I was so worried about these little guys that I totally forgot about the silkie on the other side of the coop sitting on the other half of the egg order!!!! *palm to face* I put the eggs under her so we will see!

 

[sourland]

Give us an update tomorrow.