Hens not sitting on eggs after 23+ days

[Melissa2173]

I have 2 broody silkies. They have been sitting on 23 eggs, I had 3 hatch over the last 2 days. Last night I found one of them sitting off the eggs. I have them in a brooder. I put her back on and again this morning, there were a few eggs pushed off to the side. I pulled 4 eggs out because they were ice cold. Are they done sitting since there are chicks with them now? Help! I don’t want to lose all the chicks when they are so close to hatching.

 

[azygous]

Usually, by day 22, both the broody hen and I realize the unhatched eggs have no future, so we abandon them.

And, yes, the fact there are squirming chicks under her that are demanding feeding and care determine that she will now switch her attentions to the live chicks.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

If the other eggs haven't hatched, there probably isn't a good chance they will.

 

[aart]

I have them in a brooder.

In a brooder, or an incubator?
The egg themselves or the broodies and eggs and chicks?
Were all the eggs put under the broody at the same time when she started setting?

 

[Melissa2173]

In a brooder pen with 2 broody hens. One started sitting a good week or so before the other joined her. I have pulled several eggs out that were too cold to have been viable. I’m thinking it’s time for the first hen to be separated with her chicks and let the other continue sitting.

 

[aart]

One started sitting a good week or so before the other joined her.

Is that the one that got off the nest?
Is the other one still setting?
Might be good to separate, tho last resort I would think.