Mama Hen Nesting

[Henniezues]

Hi,

My hen has been on her eggs for just about 21 days ,possibly 22 today and she still has 7 but none have hatched. How long do I wait or is there anything I should do? This is her 2nd time and the 1st time she had 3 babies right on time. Thank you

 

[centrarchid]

Give her another day. I hope your day count is off. If not, then disrupt the nest (remove eggs and make she has no access to it).

Are wanting hen hatched and reared chicks? There may be some things you can do to improve hatch rate with subsequent clutches / broody cycles.

 

[Henniezues]

Hi
Thank you fir the response. I was afraid this might be what I’d have to do. We don’t have a rooster so we got eggs from a few different friends for her. She has only been broody twice in 2 years. We would love fir her to have more. Would it be wise to bring in A few baby chicks ?

 

[centrarchid]

Hi
Thank you fir the response. I was afraid this might be what I’d have to do. We don’t have a rooster so we got eggs from a few different friends for her. She has only been broody twice in 2 years. We would love fir her to have more. Would it be wise to bring in A few baby chicks ?

If they are only a day or so old, I would do it. Older chicks I would avoid unless you have experience doing the introductions. Start in mind with backup plan if hen does not bond with chicks.

 

[aart]

Did you ever candle eggs to make sure they were developing?