Need advice on eggs that haven't hatched yet.

[jenrysdam]

I had 14 eggs under one of my Buffs. She did a great job, but they were put under her over a period of a few days by the other hens. I finally moved her to her own "condo" to find some peace. So far we've had 6 hatch, but I'm wondering about that others. Some of them were from the first day she sat, so shouldn't they already be hatched? The first one to hatch was Saturday, which was 4 days ago.
I knew this would happen and I'd have to decide what to do with them. Should they be tossed or should I wait?
Also, since I didn't get the number I was looking for, would it make sense to put 14 new eggs under her, or would she get sick of it/confused?
Thanks all! I just love this website!
Jennifer

 

[Soap Junkie]

I had 14 eggs under one of my Buffs. She did a great job, but they were put under her over a period of a few days by the other hens. I finally moved her to her own "condo" to find some peace. So far we've had 6 hatch, but I'm wondering about that others. Some of them were from the first day she sat, so shouldn't they already be hatched? The first one to hatch was Saturday, which was 4 days ago.
I knew this would happen and I'd have to decide what to do with them. Should they be tossed or should I wait?
Also, since I didn't get the number I was looking for, would it make sense to put 14 new eggs under her, or would she get sick of it/confused?
Thanks all! I just love this website!
Jennifer

Hi jenrysdam!

I am a complete newb to this myself, my first hatch is due Sunday 6/10, but from what I understand of this procedure, in a few days after the first chick hatches, mama will get up and leave the rest of the eggs to take care of her new chicks. I believe the brood is over for her. I am sure someone with experience will be here soon but I dont think you can put more eggs under her, she is gonna be a mama now and not a sitting broody. Good luck and I hope you have more hatch out before she leaves them!

 

[jenrysdam]

Thanks Soap, I'm glad you mentioned that. I should add that after 2 days, I have taken each chick to the brooder box so that Mama would stay on the eggs and with the newbies. It's worked great. She was started to get stressed out once the first ones started wandering in their little condo and was leaving the eggs to tend to them. Now she's just sitting on the eggs and covering the newbies. I'll definitely start them all on the same day next time )

 

[Soap Junkie]

Well I hope the rest hatch for you soon, I know the anticipation is KILLING ME! Did you try candeling the others? Maybe she is stilling for nothing? I dont know but that may give you some idea of how long you should wait. Good luck!