Possible broody hen, are the eggs ok?

[babsbag]

I have a New Hampshire Bantam hen that I think is going broody, this is a first for both of us. She is not quite a year old.

She has a nest box that she shares with 3 other hens. There are other boxes, but they all like that one. On Saturday she had 6 eggs under her, she sat on them most of Saturday and part of Sunday, then she decided to leave the nest. Now last night, Tuesday, she is back on the nest, and this morning she wouldn't get off when I tried to move her. I have left those eggs in the nest. Is there any chance that those eggs are viable? Should I take them out and let them start laying a new clutch for her? I would like her to raise some chicks if she wants to, but I don't want her sitting on rotten eggs.

Does the hen have to sit on them for a certain length of time before the development of the chick actually starts?

Thanks

 

[dappertophatter]

Mmmmmm, if she's been off them for 2 days I'd say they're probably too chilled. Try candling them after a few days and see if you see anything- always worth a shot.

 

[babsbag]

I came home from work today and kicked her off her nest just to see what is there, and now there are 11 eggs. I am thinking I am going to take some away and mark the ones that are left. Then see if she is going to be devoted to this or not. With everyone using the same box it is hard to know whos are whos and how old they are. I have one standard hen, a barred rock, and now she is even using the same nest box, and she doesn't even roost in their coop, just lays her eggs in there. What a silly girl.

I have 5 hens, and all but 1 use that box for their eggs. So how in the world will this poor broody ever manage to raise any if they keep adding to the nest everyday? Do I take her out and put here in another nest with her eggs and hope she stays there?

I have NO IDEA what I am doing...HELP PLEASE!!!

 

[gameboygal12]

I say separate her from the others so she can raise her eggs in peace. I have a broody in my basement in a box right now. I got food and water in there so she can eat and drink whenever she wants. only 10 days 'till hatchday!!!n