kids disturbed broody hen eggs and roosters time is almost up! need guidance please!

[mama of 4 girls]

I have a a buff orpington who has gone a bit broody. On sunday, i found her sitting on her own eggs as well as the eggs laid by a few of the other hens. Then she left the nest for a while so we collected those eggs figuring that she wasn't truly broody yet. Today, we again found her on 3 eggs. I was going to allow her to sit on them, but my children collected them when I was away at a meeting. Are they harmed now Or can I put them back in her nest? Should I just start over tomorrow? Is she truly broody if she's leaving the eggs anyway? My questions become more critical because on sunday afternoon before we recognized her broodiness, my roosterattacked my 2 year old. He must go for her saftey. The older girls are devastated about having to rehome their roo but I won't compromise. I even found a new home for him. He's scheduled to leave on Friday a.m. but before he leaves I'd like to get a nice clutch under the broody to help ease his loss for my children and to give them something exciting to anticipate. Thanks for help!

 

[brahmabantam]

You will be able to tell if the hen is truly broody if she is sitting on the eggs at night. This is the biggest factor that I have seen for brooders.
I wouldn't put eggs under her until you are completely sure, of her broodiness.
We have had problems with Roos attacking younger family members also.

Good Luck.

 

[mama of 4 girls]

Thanks for the advice. I just checked them for the night and she was on the roost not the nest, so I guess she's not truly broody. So is it just a matter of time? Do I allow her a few eggs even day and then collect at night if she's roosting?

 

[brahmabantam]

I've used gulf balls to try to encourage them. I would take the eggs from under her sooner than later. I don't think that she will become truly broody( sorry for the downer ), but the breed I use for brooders is Buff Brahma bantams.

Good luck with her though

 

[mama of 4 girls]

Bummer, but glad to know upfront. Thanks for the info

 

[brahmabantam]

yup Good luck


PS It took us 5 yrs to finally get a good broody hen

Bantams are better for the job