Is it a bad idea to put eggs about to hatch under a broody hen??

[riverman]

So I've got a real broody hen, and 3 eggs in the bator that are 23 days old. I float-tested them and they're rockin and rollin, bout to hatch at any second! I really want this hen to experience the hatch, and she's been layin on eggs in my backroom coop for a couple days now by herself and is really into brooding.

Would it be a bad idea to put those 3 eggs under her and let them hatch naturally?

Need advice quick before they pip!

Thx

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

i don't see any reason not to give the hen the eggs! as long as she is dedicated to them the last couple days!

i guess i have never heard of 'float' testing the eggs. could you explain?

 

[riverman]

Ok cool, I'm glad you gave me a little backing mama, I really want to!

There's a great thread on Float-testing somewhere on BYC. When eggs are past the 21 day mark and haven't hatched, you can set them in a container of water(100 degrees) and tell if there viable eggs, never developed, or died earlier in development.

If the egg is floating with about 15% of the egg out of the water then its a viable egg.

If it sinks, never developed.

If it floats high(45% or more) died earlier on.

 

[Buugette]

I would give her the eggs... she will be so happy.

D

 

[happyhens44]

My broodies been sitting for 8 days, but her 2 eggs are on day 18