Hen setting on eggs 4 days without a break

[newmommahen]

Laying hen collected 6 eggs in a "hidden" nest and has been on it for 4 days. I have not seen her take a break. Had a mating rooster up until May 10th. These eggs have been collecting about 2 weeks. Question 1). What are the chances these eggs are fertile. 2). Should I force her off the nest for a break? Have offered food n water - no luck. She looks like she is in a trance n when I approach she growls at me

 

[mnferalkitty]

They could be fertile. I am new to broody hens, but I would leave her alone. I just had a hen go broody I just make sure she has food and water nearby

 

[nurse_turtle]

Unless there is poop all over the eggs, she is getting up to go potty elsewhere. My broodies get off the nest a couple times a day to take a large poop, take food and water, and dust bathe and then straight back tot he nest. If her nest isn't in a safe and secure place, you need to move it, and her to a safer location. They don't necessarily need to be separated, but she needs to be safe. I would mark her eggs with a sharpie pen so you know which ones to remove out from under her everyday. Candle the eggs in another 4 days or so to see if any are developing.

 

[newmommahen]

Because I have not seen her get up, I can't see if the eggs are poopy. She growls at me when I approach - so I havent tried to take her off the nest. Should I just leave her alone or intervene?

 

[PressOn]

Do you have a rooster, could they be fertile eggs?

 

[jeepgurl]

When I first tried to get eggs out from under a chicken, I used and tennis racket. I put the racket under her breast and slid my hand underneath her and collected the eggs. Now they are used to me doing it and I dont need the racket anymore.