How long?

[rmh0508]

I have a broody hen who is sitting on 8 eggs. Today was day 21 and nothing as of yet. I was wondering how long I should let her stay on the eggs before I pitch them? I am crossing my fingers that she at least gets on baby to show for all of her efforts...

 

[brahmabreeder]

i'd give the eggs at least three more three more days then candle them.

 

[rmh0508]

Thanks for the reply. One did hatch and is doing well. The other 7 eggs don't appear to be doing anything yet

 

[brahmabreeder]

When I hatched out my last batch of eggs only 9 out of 23 hatched. The temp and humidity were fine. I got to hatching and four were fully developed and didnt hatch.

 

[aoxa]

Did any end up hatching?

 

[rmh0508]

Only one hatched but at least mommy hen has something to show for all her effort. The last broody didn't get any to hatch. all the hens are actually still pullets they won't even be a yr old till August so they have plenty of time

 

[rmh0508]

Ok so I went out last night and I was going to throw away all the eggs that hadn't hatched (7 out of 8 of them) and when I lifted up the broody another chick had hatched sometime during the afternoon. I had checked her at 2 pm when I got off of work so I know it had to be later in the afternoon and over 5 days since the first one hatched.
So now how much longer should I leave the eggs? I am going to candle tonight to see if I have any movement in the last 6...

 

[3forfree]

If that broody will stay off the nest long enough maybe you can smell the eggs. With a broody I don't think the temps are as steady as an incubator, so maybe they are just alittle late. If they don't smell bad leave them sit for a few more days.

 

[Woodcox Acre]

I have a broody hen that just started setting, day 5, I'm new at this, how many days does it usually take? Let us know if you get more than two.
I'm hoping there will be more for you and momma hen.

 

[rmh0508]

SHe was off the eggs this morning when I checked in on her. I am going to candle them tonight but I think she has finally quit on them.