Just separated my broody hen...

[mdavis11]

And gave her fertile eggs. She covered the eggs with bedding and has been running around her area. I assume she is just checking things out, but how long should it take her to sit on the eggs? I took the eggs she has been sitting on because they aren't fertile

 

[mdavis11]

She's been in there about 3 hours and she's still not sitting on the new eggs. How long will the eggs be "good"?

 

[PD-Riverman]

Probably Never!! If you just grabbed her up and took her to a new place----and she has been running around for hours----You better put her back where she was or forget her setting. Most hens will not accept a move like that. Moving most hens has to be done correctly----put her back where she was, then if she settles down again on the new eggs----I/we will tell you how to move her properly.

 

[JanetMarie]

A broody hen will set where she decides. Mark the eggs you want incubated, and if other hens lay in her nest, those can be removed daily. I move my broody hens to a different spot on the floor a day or two before the hatch.

 

[PD-Riverman]

A broody hen will set where she decides. Mark the eggs you want incubated, and if other hens lay in her nest, those can be removed daily. I move my broody hens to a different spot on the floor a day or two before the hatch.

Hey Janet, My broody hens set where I place them---I usually move them before I put the eggs under her, I want her to hatch. Moving a just stating broody hen has to be done right or most will not accept the move. I have moved app 150 in the last 3 years to private hatching pens I have set-up. All app. 150 stayed on the eggs and all 150 hatched their eggs.

 

[mdavis11]

I took the eggs and marked them. I'm waiting for her to go back to her spot. I can't leave her up there though. If I leave her there, I can't get eggs that the others lay without her getting mean. How do I move her properly? Is it normal for her to bury the eggs and go sit somewhere else?

 

[PD-Riverman]

I took the eggs and marked them. I'm waiting for her to go back to her spot. I can't leave her up there though. If I leave her there, I can't get eggs that the others lay without her getting mean. How do I move her properly? Is it normal for her to bury the eggs and go sit somewhere else?

What exactually does it matter if she gets mean---LOL??? Get a coat and a glove on---if you need it. I personally do not pay their Meaness any attention. Do you know how to look under my name for recent post?? I posted this morning how I move them, BUT first you got to get her calmed down and back on the eggs in her nest-----If you can not find it I will post it here when I get a little time later.