One day I woke up and there was more to love

[flakey chick]

Well I kind of had a surprise broody hatch. I stuck a few quail and chukar eggs under my broody on July 24th. Yesterday (21 days later) I was surprised by one that hatched that day. I was surprised because these eggs had already been in someone else's incubater for 5 days before I slipped them under my hen. I had given up hope that any would hatch, but didn't have the heart to take broody's eggs away just yet. I was just about to float test them.

One other egg has is now semi-caved in, but I can't tell if it has pipped. I wall off broody's nest at night, but want to move her. How long should I give the rest of the eggs to hatch?

I have posted this photo at flicker

 

[juliechick]

That's cute. It looks like she's smiling and posing with her new chick.

ETA: I'd say leave the eggs at least one more day. I've never hatched quail or pheasants. Don't pheasants take longer than 21 days?

 

[flakey chick]

Yes, I searched and got different answers- up to 24 days BUT 21 days under broody + 5 days in incubator = 26 days (Now adding 2 more days since the weekend). I guess I'll let her sit until she gives up or they start to stink.

UPDATE: Mama kicked out the broken egg so I took it away from her. It had a fully formed chick and the yolk was absorbed. SNIFF. I'll just have to assume mama knows best and wait for her to reject.