Hen won't go broody

[chefgian]

I have some Malaysian Seramas who are laying eggs, but won't go broody. Is there a way to speed them along? She now has 9 eggs and probably cannot cover any more. I also have several hens in the coop with about 7 eggs and they won't go broody either. How long should I let them go before I just throw the eggs away? How long can I leave the eggs with the chickens and still safely use them? Thanks for your help!

 

[BlazeJester]

You could always eat them. Sounds like you have enough for at least one omelet!

 

[wolftracks]

They decide when they go broody. I never leave a real egg until I know they are seriously going to sit on the eggs. Not all hens go broody either. I'd put them in an incubator or toss them. Don't think I'd eat anything that sat in the nest like that

 

[BlazeJester]

I guess it's different if they're fertilized. I had a hen hide eggs for 3 weeks (we found 20 under the porch) and we cooked and ate every one. We do not, however, have a rooster, and it was a pretty neutral time of year for that to happen.

 

[wolftracks]

Quote:
They can go broody even if the eggs aren't fertile, but I've heard some can get them to go broody. I have never been able to get one that way. They decide on their own and that's what most people will tell you.

A lot of times if there's a large number of eggs, it means the others hens pitched in. LOL

 

[BlazeJester]

She has a very distinctive oblong shaped egg, and they were all hers. We knew hers were missing because of the shape, and it took us the better part of a week to track them down!!!

 

[wolftracks]

I believe you, but I said most times the others add. At least if the nest is hidden.

I only can in to help. I'm sure someone else can do a better job. Don't need to hang out and argue.

I'm sure that plenty of other breeders will come in a glad tell you how to get that bird to sit on her eggs.

Good luck on your hatch.

 

[dlockey]

Question about 2 of my roosters: My Jersey Giant frequently moves his head from side to side, very fluid like motions. The Columbian Wyandotts does the same thing but not as frequently as the giant. Otherwise, everything is fine. Any ideas?