Hatching under a broody hen info! Help!

[Cochaura]

We weren't planning on hatching eggs, but some of our chickens were killed so we had a friend incubate 10 eggs we had in the fridge for 3-5 days and let our broody hen hatch out 10 more laid after the incident. We were guessing none of the refrigerated ones would hatch, but 7 out of 10 did! So, my point is, they can last awhile after being laid 8 out of 10 eggs under the hen hatched! Hens do a wonderful job of taking care of everything, so just enjoy! It was extremely hot and humid when she was nesting, so we tried to keep a fan blowing. In your case, her body warmth and moisture will keep the eggs humid enough, so I wouldn't worry about that.

 

[Chick1043]

We weren't planning on hatching eggs, but some of our chickens were killed so we had a friend incubate 10 eggs we had in the fridge for 3-5 days and let our broody hen hatch out 10 more laid after the incident. We were guessing none of the refrigerated ones would hatch, but 7 out of 10 did! So, my point is, they can last awhile after being laid 8 out of 10 eggs under the hen hatched! Hens do a wonderful job of taking care of everything, so just enjoy! It was extremely hot and humid when she was nesting, so we tried to keep a fan blowing. In your case, her body warmth and moisture will keep the eggs humid enough, so I wouldn't worry about that.

I would have never thought that could happen!!!!!! That's amazing!!!!

 

[effie]

Don't get alarmed when she gets off the nest for a bit-she may get off for quite a little bit and then get back on. I had two hens go broody last winter---Dec. and Feb here in Wv--it was cold too. I would get worried when I seen them off the nest and go feel the eggs-they even got kinda cool but I had 100% hatch out of both of them. You won't need to move them inside either after they hatch-she will keep them plenty warm. Mine stayed in an unheated coop and were fine. That is why hatching under a broody hen is so easy--she does all the work!!!!

 

[Chick1043]

Don't get alarmed when she gets off the nest for a bit-she may get off for quite a little bit and then get back on. I had two hens go broody last winter---Dec. and Feb here in Wv--it was cold too. I would get worried when I seen them off the nest and go feel the eggs-they even got kinda cool but I had 100% hatch out of both of them. You won't need to move them inside either after they hatch-she will keep them plenty warm. Mine stayed in an unheated coop and were fine. That is why hatching under a broody hen is so easy--she does all the work!!!!

This made me feel so much better! Today is officially day 1 and I went out there and another hen was on the hatching eggs and broody was in the next nest..When I felt the eggs they were a bit cold...

I noticed that if there are any other eggs in the nest, the broody will try to spread herself over them.,So I'm trying to keep all eggs out except the hatching eggs.

 

[effie]

I marked my eggs so I would know if there were new ones. Other hens getting into the broody nest are always a problem--just make sure she goes back to her original nest--that always worried me. I also mark my broody hen with a little bit of paint on her head. I am sorry but I have a bunch of BO hens and I am NOT one of the BYC forum members that can tell them apart! LOL So the paint works for me so I can tell if she is the one on the eggs.

 

[Chick1043]

I marked my eggs so I would know if there were new ones. Other hens getting into the broody nest are always a problem--just make sure she goes back to her original nest--that always worried me. I also mark my broody hen with a little bit of paint on her head. I am sorry but I have a bunch of BO hens and I am NOT one of the BYC forum members that can tell them apart! LOL So the paint works for me so I can tell if she is the one on the eggs.

Smart! I have all different breeds. My broody hen is a Dark Brahma bantam. And the eggs in the coop are marked with they're names. Boo and Spook lol for halloween. I hope they hatch! Thanks!

 

[Chick1043]

Question!!! What if she drags in mud or chicken poop when she takes her quick 10 minute breaks?? There was a little brown smudge of poop or mud on one of the eggs..I'm just worried about bacteria getting into the eggs. Thanks!

 

[Cochaura]

I would think the bloom around the egg should protect any bacteria from the poop from getting through, but if you can dry wipe it off, it wouldn't hurt.

 

[Chick1043]

I would think the bloom around the egg should protect any bacteria from the poop from getting through, but if you can dry wipe it off, it wouldn't hurt.

Thanks!! I'm not so worried anymore! Especially because the smudge wasn't that much/big.

 

[Cochaura]

Good luck! There's nothing like seeing newly hatched chick! I almost fell face-first out of the coop running to tell the others when I saw our first two had hatched