Casco Bay Chicks
In the Brooder
- Jun 23, 2021
- 1
- 13
- 21
My family lives on a small island off from the coast of Maine. While growing up, I always loved our chickens as well as all animals. Now in 60's my husband and I ordered 14 day old chicks a year ago. Recently, I was delighted to see that one of our Plymouth Rock hens was Broody. She has been sitting on several eggs for approx. 3wks. now and not only has she been pooping on the eggs, ( from reading different forums on this website, I know that it's not uncommon), 3 eggs have exploded and smell HORRIBLE! Tonight I tried to Candle several of the eggs, but they were so covered in poo that it was impossible to do so. Also, I saw several minute maggots crawling on some of the eggs! We have a very active mating Rooster, so I'm quite sure that the eggs are fertile. Our hen seems to really want to be a mother, (time will tell) and we really want to increase our flock. I'm just not sure what to do about the nesting conditions. 2 days ago, I lightly/carefully cleaned all of the eggs and put down new nesting material and tonight, I found the above conditions. I wish I had kept track of the day she began sitting on the eggs, but I'm sure it's been at least 21 days. If the eggs do hatch, I would hate for the chicks to be born in such conditions. Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks