Help, need opinions!

[Sean065]

So on day 3 my broody had an egg break under her and got all the rest covered in yolk and white. I immediately cleaned out the nest but my question is, is it even worth it to keep trying with them getting covered this early?

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

In my opinion, it's not worth it. The broken egg has already spread bacteria on all the others, and probably killed any developing embryos. If the hen seems happy, I would give her some more eggs. Sitting a few days longer is usually all right.

 

[bhaugh]

I've been through some remarkable hatches that should never have been. The hens feathers do a pretty good job of cleaning things up. If she is still setting then removing the eggs could actually be worse for her. I say keep going. If nothing hatches then not meant to be. But you sure will be glad if some do.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

In my opinion, it's not worth it. The broken egg has already spread bacteria on all the others, and probably killed any developing embryos. If the hen seems happy, I would give her some more eggs. Sitting a few days longer is usually all right.

My broody stayed on eggs for 5wks. Her eggs were infertile so I gave her new ones on her day 13... She stayed on them until hatch. She was REALLY determined though

 

[Sean065]

Part of my problem is I waited a couple days to give her eggs in the first place. I would like to wait until day 7 to see if anything is developing but I don't want her sitting too long and hurting herself in the long run. Also there were eggs in that clutch from a hen we really want to see baby's from

 

[Sean065]

My broody stayed on eggs for 5wks. Her eggs were infertile so I gave her new ones on her day 13... She stayed on them until hatch. She was REALLY determined though

Well that makes me feel better about waiting a couple days

 

[Sean065]

Update for anyone interested. We did have a successful hatch! We did have a couple infertile and a break along the way. All together she hatched 4 and adopted a couple amerucana as well.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

View attachment 2770606
Update for anyone interested. We did have a successful hatch! We did have a couple infertile and a break along the way. All together she hatched 4 and adopted a couple amerucana as well.

That's great!

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

View attachment 2770606
Update for anyone interested. We did have a successful hatch! We did have a couple infertile and a break along the way. All together she hatched 4 and adopted a couple amerucana as well.

I'm so glad! They're adorable. How many eggs did you start with?

 

[Sean065]

I'm so glad! They're adorable. How many eggs did you start with?

Started with 9, so not a great hatch rate. She actually hatched 5, but the first one out only lived about and hour :-(