HELP! Abandoned Ready to Hatch Eggs!

[Chickster72]

My Barred Rock got her first chick today.

However, when I left for work this afternoon, she had moved her baby from the nest & was no longer sitting on her remaining 6 eggs. It was 104 degrees then so thought that maybe it was too hot to sit on them right then. My second thought was that, even if she was done sitting now that she had a chick to care for, my broody Buff Orp, who had been sharing this clutch of eggs with her, would take over. Either way I figured one of them would be on those eggs when I got home. NOPE!! Its now after 1am here & its only about 80 degrees & no one is on those eggs! I candled them & they are all viable but at different stages. At least 2 however look to be at least at day 18. Isn't it too cold for them? Will they be ok tonight? Will they die? I can't just let them die. Not now. Ugh! I don't have an incubator. I do have a heat light. What should I do? Anyone? Please?

 

[KendyF]

My Barred Rock got her first chick today.

However, when I left for work this afternoon, she had moved her baby from the nest & was no longer sitting on her remaining 6 eggs. It was 104 degrees then so thought that maybe it was too hot to sit on them right then. My second thought was that, even if she was done sitting now that she had a chick to care for, my broody Buff Orp, who had been sharing this clutch of eggs with her, would take over. Either way I figured one of them would be on those eggs when I got home. NOPE!! Its now after 1am here & its only about 80 degrees & no one is on those eggs! I candled them & they are all viable but at different stages. At least 2 however look to be at least at day 18. Isn't it too cold for them? Will they be ok tonight? Will they die? I can't just let them die. Not now. Ugh! I don't have an incubator. I do have a heat light. What should I do? Anyone? Please?

Do you have a thermometer? Put the eggs in or on something, and use the light to try to keep the temp about 98 degrees, close is likely good enough. You can also try a heating pad or something else to keep the eggs alive during the night.

If your buff is still broody you can move the eggs to her nest. I am just throwing out ideas, as I don't know what you have available.

 

[KendyF]

My Barred Rock got her first chick today.

However, when I left for work this afternoon, she had moved her baby from the nest & was no longer sitting on her remaining 6 eggs. It was 104 degrees then so thought that maybe it was too hot to sit on them right then. My second thought was that, even if she was done sitting now that she had a chick to care for, my broody Buff Orp, who had been sharing this clutch of eggs with her, would take over. Either way I figured one of them would be on those eggs when I got home. NOPE!! Its now after 1am here & its only about 80 degrees & no one is on those eggs! I candled them & they are all viable but at different stages. At least 2 however look to be at least at day 18. Isn't it too cold for them? Will they be ok tonight? Will they die? I can't just let them die. Not now. Ugh! I don't have an incubator. I do have a heat light. What should I do? Anyone? Please?

If you use the heat lamp remember that is dry heat, you might want to lay the eggs on a wet cloth. Where is the hen with the chick? Can you slide the eggs under her?

 

[Chickster72]

I thought about putting them under her, but she's right on the floor in the center of the coop & she's mean as ever right now. I honestly can't get within a foot of her without her biting me. I'm afraid I'll drop or somehow break an egg. I have a heating pad. I can fold up a damp towel & put the heating pad under it. Should I also cover them?

 

[KendyF]

If you take one egg and gently put it near her, not under her. Walk away and see if she rolls it under her. That would be best. If she does, give her the others.

Next best guess, heating pad with some moisture, only cover if you think they need it to retain heat. Make sure you don't smoother the eggs or hatching chicks with weight or water. Borrow a incubator as soon as you can. Good luck!

 

[Chickster72]

I'll try it! Thanx SO much!!!

 

[KendyF]

I'll try it! Thanx SO much!!!

Let me know how it goes.

 

[KendyF]

I'll try it! Thanx SO much!!!

She will peck you, when you lay it down. It doesn't mean she won't take it back if you give her some space.

 

[Chickster72]

UPDATE....She has taken back her eggs & now has another chick.

 

[KendyF]

UPDATE....She has taken back her eggs & now has another chick.

That is awesome!! Nicely done!