Okay, When is "Time's Up"?

[springchicken10]

I have two RIR and two Silkie hens, one Silkie rooster who created chicks in the past. They've got 11 eggs with a silkie on top. but she pushed two eggs to the side. I cracked them and they were rotten. The other eggs have been under her for at least 21 days. When should I throw them out or.....? Thanks

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I'd let mama decide when to give it up. It's easy for the timing to get a little off when using a broody.

 

[springchicken10]

I'd let mama decide when to give it up. It's easy for the timing to get a little off when using a broody.

Thank you. If they are duds will she throw them out of the nest or just start to ignore them? So far she has been on there (it seems) 24-7!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If they are all duds she'll eventually abandon the nest. You can throw them out then. From the sounds of it she's culled out the obvious rotters and thinks the remaining eggs are viable. I'd follow her lead.

 

[springchicken10]

Seven days later and no chicks. ???? She moved all eight eggs 12" away and is sitting on them in a different spot.

 

[crazypoultrychx]

not that I know a whole lot..............but sounds like she felt too "interupted"...................let nature do what nature does.....................

 

[Spice Glen Hens]

Mine moves the eggs 12 inches to the other side of the box too.
And lays on them like nothing unusual happened.
Of course I notice.


Spicy