help! hen switched nest & eggs went cold

[chicksnducks]

My broody hen has switched nests and there was no more movement in the eggs I candled. Are they all lost? It was cold last night.
Help.....I am beside myself for all the chickies that could have been.....

 

[bantymum]

Ok, how long was she off them for and how long had she been sitting on them????
There have been a few of these mishaps here so hopefully all is not lost with yours!

 

[chicksnducks]

I don't know exactly how long she was off. It was over night, but the eggs were stone cold and the nest she moved to had very warm eggs! She has been sitting for 2 and a half weeks...we were getting close... I put her back on the eggs. Should I just leave her?

 

[bantymum]

Yes, just leave her there and candle in a week!!
I have seen them off for a good 24 hours or more and it only delays the hatch date for a day or so. They should be fine. Im sure others here will reassure you too!!!

 

[chicksnducks]

Thanks for the hope! I will let her be and see if she stays on them. Should I isolate her so the other chickens don't bother her?

 

[bantymum]

If possible ,its nice for her to be separate but best not to move her if she has been getting confused lately! Just put up a barrier between her nest and the others. Have you got a photo of the coop decor showing her on the nest ,so we can help with any suggestions?

 

[edster951]

I move all my broody hens away from the others into a smaller coup/run, so there is no fighting between nests/eggs etc....

When ever we go over and feed, we open the smaller coup and pat her, talk to her, telling her what a good job she is doing, give her fresh food and water, and close her up again.

Works for us.

When the chicks are born we leave them, and mum, in the smaller run for about 5-6 weeks so the others get used to them. They all get fed in the same place.

Eddie

 

[chicksnducks]

A DUCK HATCHED TODAY!!!! see other post