No peeps or pips in coop, Day 23 (-)

[mtma]

My dedicated hens are all in a separate maternity ward coop, and their eggs range from 13-23. No peeps or pips. There are approx 40+ eggs out there. Unfortunately I think some of the eggs were mixed up under hens as to how old they are, but I could candle them tonight. I also have 7 chicks coming in the mail tonight. Do I take the day 23 eggs and replace them with chicks? I really don't want to interfere more than what would actually be helpful, but I do have an incubator with space for 22 I could use as well.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Are all 5 hens fully broody?
Since you don't have the eggs dated and they are likely mixed up, I would probably take the hen that has been siting longest, put the chicks under her and move her eggs to other nests.

I once had 2 hens in adjacent nests and they would steal eggs from each other which screwed things up.
On another occasion, I had 9 POL pullets in a building and before I could give them new housing, 8 of them went broody together, created a community nest in a corner. They were sitting on over 25 eggs. It didn't go well. Only 1 chick hatched.
I imagine that chick became psychotic with 8 pullets trying to mother the same chick.

 

[mtma]

I imagine that chick became psychotic with 8 pullets trying to mother the same chick.

Yes, all 5are fully broody. There were six, but the first gave it up last weekend. Would you do any candling or pulling eggs? Should I give all 7 chicks to one mother?

 

[mtma]

Anyone else? I feel like I'm a loss of how to do this!

 

[ButtonHoarder]

I really have no idea—just saying this to bump the thread up.

 

[mtma]

First pip last night...Decided to keep the mail order chicks separate, as one was dead and already rotting (last time I will mail order), and I just want to make sure no one gets sick or exposes my hens or other babies if they are. I candled several eggs from each momma and saw movement, and tossed a couple that had stopped. Now just waiting for nature to take it's course! Thank you.