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

[rachelsp]

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

Thanks I will do that. Got all the brooder bits from last time if it doesn’t work out. Thanks again

 

[rachelsp]

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.

This is what I’m worried about maybe be I should continue incubating. It’s a hard one. Would love them to have a mum but don’t want them to die

 

[Carter Martin]

I don't think I would risk it. I would probably just leave them in incubator and raise them myself.

 

[rachelsp]

Just wanted to let you all know incase you were interested, I did chance it and it worked, all the eggs I put in with her hatched I’m over the moon . I’ve attached a photo with her and one of the chicks, the rest are under her

 

[AngBantamLuv]

Just wanted to let you all know incase you were interested, I did chance it and it worked, all the eggs I put in with her hatched I’m over the moon . I’ve attached a photo with her and one of the chicks, the rest are under her

What breed is mama?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Glad it worked for you. I just saw this thread and was going to suggest you try it with some eggs. Not sure how old they are now or how many hatched in the incubator. If they are still very young and if you don't have too many you can try giving them all to her. I do that fairly frequently.

When the chick internal pips it starts talking to the hen, sometimes you can hear them peeping in the incubator before they external pip. This tells the hen they are on the way and she goes from incubating mode to hatching mode. Studies have shown that they can affect the humidity. People don't understand how awesome mother nature can be.

 

[EllieandOlive]

I've had success with switching my day 25 duck eggs under a hen that had been broody on golf balls for a couple weeks. 3 days later we had all of the eggs hatch great! So funny to have a bantam hen raise ducks!

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

Congratulations!!!

 

[rachelsp]

What breed is mama?

Australorp

 

[rachelsp]

Glad it worked for you. I just saw this thread and was going to suggest you try it with some eggs. Not sure how old they are now or how many hatched in the incubator. If they are still very young and if you don't have too many you can try giving them all to her. I do that fairly frequently.

When the chick internal pips it starts talking to the hen, sometimes you can hear them peeping in the incubator before they external pip. This tells the hen they are on the way and she goes from incubating mode to hatching mode. Studies have shown that they can affect the humidity. People don't understand how awesome mother nature can be.

So awesome