Incubating eggs day 13 then getting a broody hen, can they be switched?

[rachelsp]

I have had eggs in the incubator for nearly two weeks now and they only have 8 days left. One of my hens has just gone broody can I switch them over to her from the incubator so far on or will this not work?

 

[Jp617]

i do it the other way sometimes take and then incubate. so if it works opposite then should be fine. just not sure why you would stop incubation unless you want her to finish and raise them?

 

[JaeG]

You have more chance of her accepting them if they hatch under her because she has only just gone broody. Just keep an eye on her when they hatch that she switches from broody mode to mothering mode. Also if it's her first time keep aa close eye on her as some hens like to sit but don't have a clue what to do with chicks and can kill them.

 

[rachelsp]

i do it the other way sometimes take and then incubate. so if it works opposite then should be fine. just not sure why you would stop incubation unless you want her to finish and raise them?

Yes that’s it, I really wanted a hen to raise these chicks but didn’t have a broody so decided to incubate and it’s **** law that I get a broody two weeks on! I am just worried the last three days have to be high humidity and if she only sits on them for a week she might not do this as she may think it’s only the first week? This is my first broody hen so have no idea how this works?

 

[JaeG]

Yes that’s it, I really wanted a hen to raise these chicks but didn’t have a broody so decided to incubate and it’s **** law that I get a broody two weeks on! I am just worried the last three days have to be high humidity and if she only sits on them for a week she might not do this as she may think it’s only the first week? This is my first broody hen so have no idea how this works?

A broody knows what she's doing. When our bantams hatched eggs they were getting off their pipping eggs to grab a snack or drink. As another member said it's the 3 days after the eggs hatch that's 'lockdown' for a hen as the chicks are gaining a bit of strength and waiting for everyone to hatch before venturing off the nest. It's very different to hatching in an incubator.

 

[rachelsp]

You have more chance of her accepting them if they hatch under her because she has only just gone broody. Just keep an eye on her when they hatch that she switches from broody mode to mothering mode. Also if it's her first time keep aa close eye on her as some hens like to sit but don't have a clue what to do with chicks and can kill them.

Just seen your reply, that’s what I was hoping for her to accept them if they hatched under her. I replied to the first comment saying I’m worried about the length of time left and the humidity on the last few days, what do you think?

 

[Jp617]

Yes that’s it, I really wanted a hen to raise these chicks but didn’t have a broody so decided to incubate and it’s **** law that I get a broody two weeks on! I am just worried the last three days have to be high humidity and if she only sits on them for a week she might not do this as she may think it’s only the first week? This is my first broody hen so have no idea how this works?

me personally i wouldnt risk it, if she gets off them for too long they are done for. id start with some fresh eggs and let her do her thing until day 21. But if you want to go for it she should hatch them. Just hope she will accept them and care for them, you may end up having to raise them anyways.

 

[rachelsp]

A broody knows what she's doing. When our bantams hatched eggs they were getting off their pipping eggs to grab a snack or drink. As another member said it's the 3 days after the eggs hatch that's 'lockdown' for a hen as the chicks are gaining a bit of strength and waiting for everyone to hatch before venturing off the nest. It's very different to hatching in an incubator.

I see I have it in my head that the last three days of hatching are lockdown as I’ve only ever incubated once and it’s the chickens I have now, so it doesn’t work like that under a broody? Hopefully she will know what to do I know I have live eggs in the incubator so would be good if they had a chicken mum instead of a human one!

 

[JaeG]

I see I have it in my head that the last three days of hatching are lockdown as I’ve only ever incubated once and it’s the chickens I have now, so it doesn’t work like that under a broody? Hopefully she will know what to do I know I have live eggs in the incubator so would be good if they had a chicken mum instead of a human one!

I'd give her a chance but keep a close eye on her and have a back-up plan.

 

[Mellowmalt]

It should work but I see no benefit whatsoever. Incubating provides higher hatch rates than a broody hen, not to mention the humidity issue. I am suspecting the hen might know what is best and can hear and feel the very first pip but it is risky, eggs can get crushed, she might not be fully invested and might leave the nest.