Momma leaves the nest....

[Kyleejo32]

I recently had two hens go broody. The first went broody and then 5 days later her twin went broody also. We just had our first chickies hatch this weekend The first momma left the nesting box and hangs out in the bottom of the coop with babies. Somehow, one chick managed to hop boxes and joined the nest with our second broody hen. Now she has left her nest too to join that chickie at the bottom of the coop. So she has a nest of around 10 eggs that shes been sitting on roughly 2 weeks which she has been off of all day. What do I do?! Is there any chance she'll return? Or should we consider it a loss at this point?

 

[sourland]

There is an outside chance that if you move the first hen and all chicks out of sight and sound of the second broody that she MAY go back to the next. After a day off that is somewhat more unlikely. Any chance of putting the eggs in an incubator ?

 

[Kyleejo32]

I appreciate your response! Unfortunately no incubator These were our first broodies and it was a bit unexpected since they havent been laying long. Its been dark for a few hours now and she's snuggled up in the bottom of the coop with the other momma and babies. I think I have my answer

 

[WVduckchick]

Sounds like she has given up.
But you could try moving the eggs down with her. She may stay on them as long as the others are nearby.
(Id candle the eggs first)

 

[Kyleejo32]

I had the same thought...but the hens wont let me near them! I have fashioned an incubator here in the house and brought the abandoned eggs inside. Candled a few and had a couple that looked on target. Will try to get a better look this evening. Fingers crossed! I appreciate everyones responsiveness! Very helpful.

 

[Kyleejo32]

Well I candled the eggs and had 4 that were actively moving!! 2 were infertile. The others I could see the air sac, veins but the rest was dark so not sure what Im seeing. Placed them all back in my makeshift incubator and hoping for the best!!

 

[WVduckchick]

The darker they get, the closer they are to hatching. The chick will fill the egg and you won’t see much clear area nor veins when they get really close. A couple days prior to hatch, the air cell will start to draw down, meaning it will lose its regular oval/round shape and get misshapen, as the chick gets into hatching position. When that happens, internal pips are close behind, then hatching!

Good luck!!

 

[Kyleejo32]

Update Ive had 2 chicks hatch! Such an exciting process. The boys and I were off for fall break and got to watch one zip and then hatch. Amazing! Day 22 and I am expecting 2 more. Fingers crossed!

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

Awesome, that is good luck!

 

[WVduckchick]