If I Remove a Bunch of Guinea Eggs Will the Remaining Ones Hatch?

[lizzybaxter]

I have been through 2 hatches with my guinea pair, and I've decided this time to practice a little guinea birth control. I have left Maude 7 of the eggs she's laid (marked them), and every day when she's not looking I take the new one. We're on Day 19 now, although she only has 7 eggs in her nest.

My evil plan was to leave her 7, with probably at least 5 hatching successfully. That will give us a manageable flock for awhile. I don't even want to tell you about the 23 grown guineas racing around here, directing traffic in a major roadway, etc. Anyway, I've been eating all the new eggs and they are wonderful. Thanks, Maude.

My question is-- when she has laid 20 something, will she stop and set on them? Will her body say it's time? Or will her little beady eye look at those 7 eggs and say it's an unfinished job?

I couldn't find anything on the threads about this. Anyone got a clue?

 

[malinois]

You have ny interest as well. I have my own reasons (not spelled out ) but i do hope someone can answer you.....

 

[lizzybaxter]

You have ny interest as well. I have my own reasons (not spelled out ) but i do hope someone can answer you.....

Guess what? Maude answered the question for me!! After reaching Day 21 (I have been marking it on the calendar), she began setting-- even though there are only 7 eggs in the nest! So, the answer is..... they will lay 21 and then set, even if there are not actually that many in the nest.

I think the reason it worked is that I didn't start stealing her eggs until she had already had 7-- a nicely established nest. I also marked those with a sharpie so I knew which were the newest eggs to remove.

Hooray!