HELP! Hatching eggs with broody hen

[Jjdesmo11]

She looks like she is still on the last egg. Yay! I’ll give it a few days just in case is viable. I think it may have gotten too cold. The one that died this morning was still warmer than the one I have left. Thanks so much for guiding me through this. If it hatches I’ll let you know and this time I’ll leave it alone or get a cheap incubator unless she abandons it again. She already looks thinner so yes I agree with not letting her brood that back to back. This chicken community is so great thanks again

 

[bobbi-j]

What day is the egg on now?

 

[Jjdesmo11]

I marked on 4 consecutive days but didn’t mark what date I marked specifically. April 11-14th so my last eggs I marked on 14th would be 21 days on may 5th. So if it was a later egg it would be 23 days old if my math is correct. I’m scouting Craigslist do find 3 day old babies and if I can I’ll see if she adopts but it just leaves that one last egg that I can’t in good conscious just throw out. Would you say give it 2 more days?

 

[bobbi-j]

Have you tried candling the egg?

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Yes it’s just dark. No air space visible. They are Rhode Island Red eggs so fairly dark shelled as well.

 

[bobbi-j]

It’s already two days past. Was she off this egg as well?

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Yes at the latest 8 days past. She was off this one when the other was hatching. I think all hope is lost

 

[bobbi-j]

I agree. If you don’t find little chicks for her (the younger the better, because if they are too old, they won’t bond with the mama), then put her in a broody buster cage and break her. She’ll get over it.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thanks I’ve been in contact with someone who has 3 day old chicks. Tonight I plan to remove last egg and place 3 chicks under her. I know it has to be super dark and no flashlight. Any tips? They are salmon Faverolle chicks and momma is an americauna.

 

[bobbi-j]

I just quietly slip them in from behind, one at a time. Removed the egg when you put the chicks under her.