I posted this same question on the turkey page, but I'm anxious for some info, and so I am double-posting it here. (Sorry, and thanks!)
Our broody BR hen has spent the last 25 days (or so) on the nest. She has been very faithful to her project. Yesterday, I put a low board across the floor of the coop, to act as a partition that would keep the poults from falling out the door of the coop, because I don't think they could get back up the ramp. The hen got up for lunch and a stretch, but then she stayed in the yard. Finally I decided that the board (which was obscuring her view from outside) was confusing her. I took it out, and she promptly went back to the nest.
She was off the eggs for an hour. Maybe two. As soon as she was back on, I reached under her, and felt an egg. It was cool. Almost cold.
Did I ruin the hatch by putting that board up? Is there anyway to tell if the eggs are still kicking? I candled one, and I saw that it was very well-developed (all dark, except for a good air-sac). I'm anxious to find out if they are still viable.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Our broody BR hen has spent the last 25 days (or so) on the nest. She has been very faithful to her project. Yesterday, I put a low board across the floor of the coop, to act as a partition that would keep the poults from falling out the door of the coop, because I don't think they could get back up the ramp. The hen got up for lunch and a stretch, but then she stayed in the yard. Finally I decided that the board (which was obscuring her view from outside) was confusing her. I took it out, and she promptly went back to the nest.
She was off the eggs for an hour. Maybe two. As soon as she was back on, I reached under her, and felt an egg. It was cool. Almost cold.
Did I ruin the hatch by putting that board up? Is there anyway to tell if the eggs are still kicking? I candled one, and I saw that it was very well-developed (all dark, except for a good air-sac). I'm anxious to find out if they are still viable.
Thanks in advance for the help!
