You guys are sooo lucky! I've already tried two small batches of eggs with my broody silkies and they all failed to hatch. These are my eggs. I'm trying to hatch out a small batch of my sizzle rooster with my Cochin/silkie mixed girls. I have a few eggs in my incubator but I'm pretty sure that are going to make it. I'm thinking that my eggs are freezing or almost freezing and that's why they aren't developing. Some did develope but just didn't make it to hatching. I suppose I should just keep putting eggs in the incubator.....
Sounds like something else is wrong. I've had 10 broody girls this winter alone. My silkies and Marans were each loaded with eggs when our lows were getting down to -12. The eggs did fine. I even found eggs cold TWICE when they got on the wrong nest. Maybe extra bedding, vitamins/minerals for mom before you collect eggs to make sure everyone is healthy. Babies are always healthier with a broody if you have one handy. I will let them sit on eggs and if I have some eggs in the incubator try to slip them under her right after hatching. Good luck!!