No luck

[chickens really]

I’m just feeding them layers pellets and then corn for scratching around the pen, I haven’t had a successful hatch yet no, I’ve only had these birds around 6 months as a dog got my last flock

The woman told me he had a good success rate but maybe she was telling fibs ...

Infection possibly?..

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Fluffy butts don't stop my Silkies or any other bird here.

Not just the rooster can be a problem but hens can lay eggs that will never successfully hatch... I see wrinkly yolks or meat or blood spots... lots of things that can make a hen's eggs NOT hatchable.

Orpington absolutely will give a better hatch rate if fed better than "layer" They are a dual purpose, heavy feathered bird. No low nutrient snack on my watch... 22% protein was shown to give the best hatch rates. And I wouldn't personally feed less than 18% to Orps.

After a full sitting with zero chicks... i'd get my hen a couple from the feed store and adopt them to her if possible.

Plus if there is a lot of action going on inside the lay box... maybe that is part of the issue. Or just a hen that isn't that good of a sitter.



Please note I get a better view with my cell phone flashlight than ANY candler I've used.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I’m just feeding them layers pellets and then corn for scratching around the pen,

Stop with the corn it has only 7% protein but NO added vitamins and minerals or amino acids.

Switch to a flock raiser instead of layer with 18-20% protein and pout oyster shell on the side, Supplement a snack of scrambled eggs once weekly AND I can *almost* guarantee you WILL see better hatch rates.

16% protein in layer is the bare minimum to sustain a light bodied bird like leghorn in laying condition. For hatching or dual purpose birds requirements are higher...
http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/186894.pdf

 

[chickens really]

I feed my Orpington 16% Grower finisher..Excellent layers and fertile eggs..

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I feed my Orpington 16% Grower finisher..Excellent layers and fertile eggs..

Pretty sure you are also careful not diminish protein further with low nutrient snacks...

 

[chickens really]

Pretty sure you are also careful not diminish protein further with low nutrient snacks...

Definitely not daily...my last Chicks I just hatched..

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Definitely not daily...my last Chicks I just hatched..View attachment 1433094

Ahhh, you're a terrible (awesome) chicken math enabler!

 

[MROO]

If you have access to an incubator, or maybe knows someone who does and is willing to take on a clutch for you, try it. If there is no better success with a 'bator, then you probably have a fertility issue - either Mama, or Pop.

 

[J.D]

I’m fairly new to orpingtons as I’ve previously just had egg laying hybrids, so I had no idea I needed to up the protein (note to self - do more research!)

I will definitely invest in a better feed! Scrambled eggs will also be a Sunday treat from now on.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on the egg? Is it worth leaving under broody or should I just take it out?

 

[J.D]

Please note I get a better view with my cell phone flashlight than ANY candler I've used. [/QUOTE]

Haha I’m new to this so I am yet to get my hands on any equipment I’m going for the British classic ‘make do and mend’ ... haha @EggSighted4Life