Questions about Hen hatching her own eggs?

[ksmith]

I have a hen that was given to me today from my friend and the hen was always out with a rooster. I have a really broody hen that I think I will let her hatch these fertile eggs. First question: How long will she lay eggs that are fertile? Second: After collecting the fertile egg, do I place them in the fridge for a period of time? Or just stick it under my broody hen and let her do her thing? Third: Do I need a certain type of bedding/ surface under the egg and in the nesting box in order for her to hatch te egg?? Thanks! I just don't know much about hatching eggs do I am here to learn!!

 

[Life is Good!]

I believe her eggs will be fertile for 2 wks? Not quite sure about the specifics on that one.

Do NOT place fertile eggs in the fridge! It kills them! If you're gathering eggs to put under a broody, simply leave them on the counter in a spot that is as draft free and sunshine free as possible (I put ours in a cabinet in a bowl). Do not collect more than 8 days worth, then the eggs start to deteriorate in quality. Personally, I did 4 eggs - enough to up the odds of pullets, not so many that I couldn't deal with 'em.

The eggs will start to form as soon as heat is applied to them, so if you'd like them all to hatch at the same time, collect, store on counter, put under broody at same time. If the eggs are staggered (1 today, 2 tomorrow, 1 the next day), so will the hatch. Challenging for a new Mom to deal with. Not impossible, but more challenging.

I have straw bedding in our nestboxes. The pine shavings are too dry and easy to get mashed as Mom moves about and re-makes her nest. I did have to add more straw as she went along. Yes, I simply tucked it in next to her and she figured it all out. Good chicken Mom!

We're all here to learn, to share and to enjoy our chickens.....wonderful, isn't it?!

 

[ksmith]

I believe her eggs will be fertile for 2 wks?  Not quite sure about the specifics on that one.

Do NOT place fertile eggs in the fridge!  It kills them!  If you're gathering eggs to put under a broody, simply leave them on the counter in a spot that is as draft free and sunshine free as possible (I put ours in a cabinet in a bowl).  Do not collect more than 8 days worth, then the eggs start to deteriorate in quality.  Personally, I did 4 eggs - enough to up the odds of pullets, not so many that I couldn't deal with 'em.

The eggs will start to form as soon as heat is applied to them, so if you'd like them all to hatch at the same time, collect, store on counter, put under broody at same time.  If the eggs are staggered (1 today, 2 tomorrow, 1 the next day), so will the hatch.  Challenging for a new Mom to deal with.  Not impossible, but more challenging.

I have straw bedding in our nestboxes.  The pine shavings are too dry and easy to get mashed as Mom moves about and re-makes her nest.  I did have to add more straw as she went along.  Yes, I simply tucked it in next to her and she figured it all out.  Good chicken Mom!

We're all here to learn, to share and to enjoy our chickens.....wonderful, isn't it?!   

Thanks so much for all the awesome tips. I think what I will do is put her in a seperate coop with feed and water tomorrow. Then begin collectin eggs and put four under her at the same time that way it's easier for her . The coop is about 4' by 4'. It has good ventilation and a little nesting box with a roost. Would this be large enough for her while we is sitting on the eggs? Thanks!

 

[AwallRooster]

I agree with Life is good,on the other hand,besides waiting 21 days, i would let her sit on the 4 for 10 days,then i would candle the eggs to see they were feritle,you can do this sooner ,but i always do it on the 10th day,cause i only hatch Black Barnaders,an the eggs are a dark brown, and at day 10 you can be certain its fertile when you candle them, if you have never candle a egg, this would be a good time to learn , an its exciting to see the baby in the egg!! GOOD HATCHING