how long should a hen sit on egg??

[max101]

Hi my pekin hen has had 4 little chicks but an egg has not hatched. There is no sound or pipping at all.
How long should I leave the egg under her as she is still just sitting there.
Will the little chicks get hungry or thirsty
The egg has no smell
I would move it but I am scared I may kill a baby if it is only a late bloomer.

 

[scooter147]

If it does not hatch within 24 hours of the last chick hatched throw it away.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

She'll leave the egg when she thinks the babies are old enough to go exploring. When she abandons it, take it away.

 

[max101]

Thank you
I will throw it away now as it has been 24 hrs
Will mum know to bring out the chicks then

 

[Ridgerunner]

If she is not locked up where she cannot leave the nest but is instead free to decide, I'd leave he decision up to her. She will abandon the nest when it is time to take care of the others. The hen and the chick in the egg talk to each other so she is in a better position to know if she needs to stay or not. If you have her confined where she cannot leave the nst, then you have to decide.

Good luck!

 

[Ridgerunner]

If she is not locked up where she cannot leave the nest but is instead free to decide, I'd leave he decision up to her. She will abandon the nest when it is time to take care of the others. The hen and the chick in the egg talk to each other so she is in a better position to know if she needs to stay or not. If you have her confined where she cannot leave the nst, then you have to decide.

Good luck!

 

[scooter147]

You can also very gently shake the egg, if it's REALLY bad you will hear liquid sloshing around.

 

[max101]

she can leave the nest whenever she wants
I am scared she will sit there and the babies will starve
I will leave her another day and see what happens
how long can a chick go without eating

 

[FortWorthChicks]

3 days

trust momma, she knows best.

 

[BellLisamo]

Quote:
Bingo! The chicks can live off their yolk until they are 3 days old

Give momma a little more time

P.S. A momma hen will disguard any rotten eggs. I kept finding eggs 2 feet away, and pushed them back under her.... next time i checked... they were out again. I realized they were bad eggs