Hen starts incubating on one egg

[mommhen]

I am trying to collect a clutch for my broody silky, store them on the counter, and start them all on the same day to have them hatch around the same time...... but I'm only getting one egg a day (from a non broody, the broody stopped laying for the moment).....

Problem is as soon as an egg is laid by her sister she takes it and starts incubating/sitting on it, so when I get home from being gone at work all day the development process has already started right? Or has it?

Can I collect this warm egg and set on the counter for the clutch I want to start, and do this everyday until I have enough for her clutch? Or is it important that I collect eggs right after they are laid?

 

[Puddin Fluff]

I am not an expert, but I think you would be fine to collect them at the end of the day. How big a clutch are you working on?

 

[sunflour]

I agree with Puddin Fluff, but never hatched eggs. Would suggest you repost on hatching and incubating eggs and likely those with experience will respond.

 

[mommhen]

I'm looking to get maybe 8 eggs... My chickens are silkies btw.

 

[mommhen]

Good idea I put the thread in the incubating forum, duh. Thanks guys!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Good idea I put the thread in the incubating forum, duh. Thanks guys!

I didn't notice the forum.

Welcome! I would also suggest that you only get about 5 eggs to give it a try. I believe I have heard that eggs older than 5 days start decreasing in viability. Plus, silkies are small, they might have a better success rate if she easily covers the eggs.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Some people actually do pre-storage incubation http://www.pasreform.com/academy/fr...s-new-procedures-in-hatching-egg-storage.html

 

[drumstick diva]

Do you have a rooster? A hen cannot tell if an egg is fertilized or not.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our community!