I have never tried to hatch eggs before. Since I live within a no-crow zone, what roosters I have had didn't stay long - until recently. I bought a Serama pair who stay in the house for now. They are awaiting a new coop & pen that is slow in getting built. In the meantime, the little rooster has been doing a good job doing his business with the little hen, and she has been laying eggs almost every day. Some of the eggs I've placed in the refrigerator, some I've kept on the counter in the kitchen. I even left a few in her nest to see if she'll sit on them them. No luck there.
In the "getting to know you" pen and coop outside there are three LF birds. Only one has been laying eggs so far but now I think she's broody. She's been sitting on a nest for two days now, and growls and pecks me if I try to reach under her. She got off the nest for a little while yesterday to eat, then went straight back. So I got the idea to place some of the Serama eggs in her nest to see what would happen. She's sitting on them now.
My intent was never to try to hatch any babies, for several reasons. a) I don't have an incubator b) I've never had a broody hen c) If any hatch out to be roosters, they'll have to be rehomed. Nonetheless, here I am with a broody LF hen sitting on bantam eggs. I think it's the neatest thing to have a broody hen and am anxious to see what happens now.
When should I check the eggs to see if they're developing?
Is there anything I can do help ensure that the eggs develop and hatch?
Any advice is welcome.
