I need some advice about my broody hen. She is a 3 yr old Buff Orpington. We gave her a private spot to sit with a private run. She can see the rest of the flock inside and outside but they are separated by fencing. We gave her 10 eggs on May 9 and she immediately began sitting. She will leave the nest only for a couple minutes per day to attend her needs and go right back to the nest.
Well, Friday afternoon (4-29), at least 2 hatched. This was day 20, I believe. Saturday, I saw we had at least a total of 4 chicks hatched. Sunday, I saw 6 chicks total. I noticed her off the nest but not outside so I took a peek at the nest and there are still 4 eggs not hatched yet. This morning I went out to do my usual clean up, feed up and check on her. Well those other 4 eggs have still not hatched. I feel certain they were fertile. 2 of these eggs belong to my rooster's favorite hen.
My questions are....Could these other 4 still hatch?.....Will she at some point make the decision to leave these if need be? I believe today is day 23. I don't think any of
these 4 remaining have pipped yet.
A little more info about Mama Bird (this is her name). She went broody at 1 yr old and raised 4 babies. She did not go broody at 2 yrs old. So this is her second time raising a clutch. She did a great job and was a VERY protective mother the first time. She is not a bird who likes to be handled and will peck anyone who sticks their hand near!!! I have other hens who love to be handled and allow more interaction when raising babies...but NOT Mama Bird!
Could someone with more experience than I please tell me how to proceed. I would love to candle these last 4 eggs but unless I catch her off the nest, don't know how I can???
Thanks so much! This is a wonderful site I have learned so much reading here. I would like to be a more active participant. We have been keeping chickens for about 3 yrs now. Gosh, there is always so much to learn!
NanaK
PS I did put a small amount of chick feed and a small waterer in with them so she could take care of them while she sits on the others. She did take them outside this morning for about 3 minutes. They have food and water outside in their private area too.
Well, Friday afternoon (4-29), at least 2 hatched. This was day 20, I believe. Saturday, I saw we had at least a total of 4 chicks hatched. Sunday, I saw 6 chicks total. I noticed her off the nest but not outside so I took a peek at the nest and there are still 4 eggs not hatched yet. This morning I went out to do my usual clean up, feed up and check on her. Well those other 4 eggs have still not hatched. I feel certain they were fertile. 2 of these eggs belong to my rooster's favorite hen.
My questions are....Could these other 4 still hatch?.....Will she at some point make the decision to leave these if need be? I believe today is day 23. I don't think any of
these 4 remaining have pipped yet.
A little more info about Mama Bird (this is her name). She went broody at 1 yr old and raised 4 babies. She did not go broody at 2 yrs old. So this is her second time raising a clutch. She did a great job and was a VERY protective mother the first time. She is not a bird who likes to be handled and will peck anyone who sticks their hand near!!! I have other hens who love to be handled and allow more interaction when raising babies...but NOT Mama Bird!
Could someone with more experience than I please tell me how to proceed. I would love to candle these last 4 eggs but unless I catch her off the nest, don't know how I can???
Thanks so much! This is a wonderful site I have learned so much reading here. I would like to be a more active participant. We have been keeping chickens for about 3 yrs now. Gosh, there is always so much to learn!
NanaK
PS I did put a small amount of chick feed and a small waterer in with them so she could take care of them while she sits on the others. She did take them outside this morning for about 3 minutes. They have food and water outside in their private area too.
