Moving eggs from incubator to under a broody hen...

[temple1612]

I have a hen that has been broody for about 22 days now. She was sitting on some eggs but most of them weren't viable. I am wanting to get some more but am wondering if it would be better to put fertile eggs under her that are just a couple days from hatching or if it would be better to put day old chicks under her?

 

[JaeG]

I'd give her the eggs as then she can start bonding with her new babies before they even hatch as long as you trust her to keep them warm and safe. Apparently zebra finches sing their eggs a special song to prepare them for the weather conditions. If it's very hot finch chicks that heard a special song from their parents before they hatch grow slower to cope with the heat. Perhaps hens impart similar knowledge to their little ones before they hatch out.

 

[temple1612]

I'd give her the eggs as then she can start bonding with her new babies before they even hatch as long as you trust her to keep them warm and safe. Apparently zebra finches sing their eggs a special song to prepare them for the weather conditions. If it's very hot finch chicks that heard a special song from their parents before they hatch grow slower to cope with the heat. Perhaps hens impart similar knowledge to their little ones before they hatch out.

Interesting. I actually had pet Zebra Finches growing up, and they hatched chicks.

My broody is sitting on 4 eggs now (we are wanting more). Today was the 22nd day so they should have hatched, but after candling them they look no more than 17-19 days.

 

[JaeG]

I hope you are able to provide her with some babies and that she's a great mother. Did the eggs look like they were alive or had they stopped developing?

 

[temple1612]

I hope you are able to provide her with some babies and that she's a great mother. Did the eggs look like they were alive or had they stopped developing?

They do look like they have developed more since the last time I looked at them, but it is hard to tell. I had to get rid of 2 rotten eggs today.

 

[JaeG]

Could you see any good, red veins up near the air cell? If the chick has died they sort of wither up and disappear. I wonder if she's not sitting tight enough or something? It may pay to pop the chicks under her as they hatch in your incubator in case that is the reason. I've got my fingers crossed for you!

 

[temple1612]

Could you see any good, red veins up near the air cell? If the chick has died they sort of wither up and disappear. I wonder if she's not sitting tight enough or something? It may pay to pop the chicks under her as they hatch in your incubator in case that is the reason. I've got my fingers crossed for you!

Yes, there was definitely visible red veins. Most of the egg was full too. Just not what was expected at 22 days.