Help! First broody hen

[browntownfarm]

My hen has been sitting on 11 eggs since July 15th, I THINK. If that's right today should be day 20. I went down to check on her today and only saw 9 eggs. She was off getting water but got right back on. I see no signs of babies or even shells. Does anyone know what could have happened to the two? I have been so excited about my first hatch and I hope they aren't duds!

 

[chicksurreal]

If she's not in a secure location, it might have been a snake or some other egg eating stinker.

Or, maybe the two were just buried in whatever material she's using for a nest.

 

[browntownfarm]

Is there a chance she was disposing of the ones that won't hatch? If they are all bad will she know it and decide not to sit on them anymore?

 

[chicksurreal]

Quote:
I've seen it happen both ways. I've had hens sit on rotten eggs and also some that discarded infertile eggs. There's really no way to be sure if she did it or not. I have had hens eat broken eggs, shell and all. So that's a possibility as well.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

My hen has been sitting on 11 eggs since July 15th, I THINK. If that's right today should be day 20. I went down to check on her today and only saw 9 eggs. She was off getting water but got right back on. I see no signs of babies or even shells. Does anyone know what could have happened to the two? I have been so excited about my first hatch and I hope they aren't duds!

Today is day 19th. On the 16th of July is the end of the beginning day of the incubation countdown. In other words you count the elapsed days to get to the 21st day. Look for the hatch to begin on Thursday the 6th. Good luck.

 

[browntownfarm]

Thanks for the help!

 

[browntownfarm]

Good news! At least one chick has hatched! My isnt budging so hopefully more are under her

 

[chicksurreal]

Good news! At least one chick has hatched! My isnt budging so hopefully more are under her

Yay! Conratulations!

 

[browntownfarm]

2 now and a third is cracked open and moving around. This is very stressful lol. I've been out there to check every 15 minutes.