Questions about Humidity and Broody Hens

[Bunnylady]

I have some broody hens setting on eggs that were shipped to me. I don't mean to complain, but some of those eggs have rather large air sacs.

Now, I live on the coast, so we have outrageous humidity during the summertime. Normal temps this time of the year are low 90's during the days, upper 70's at night, and the air is so thick you can't decide whether to breathe it or drink it! My girls have always hatched "home grown" eggs without problems, this is the first time I've tried to hatch eggs that came from someone else.

I candled the eggs today, and a lot of them look to be developing normally, even those with larger-than-a-really-fresh-egg air sacs. Do you think those eggs will hatch? I am usually ruthless about chicks getting out on their own, should I be prepared to make exceptions in this instance? I feel like a little kid at Christmas over these eggs, and I'd hate to mess things up!

 

[suebee]

My broodies have successfully hatched in the hottest, humid weather and in the dead of winter when there's zero humidity. I'll think you'll be fine. Sounds like shipped egg success! How many days do you have left? I candle shipped eggs on the 7th and 14th day and then don't touch them again.

 

[pgpoultry]

The temperature and humidity stays pretty constant under momma hens feathers. All warm blooded creatures (including us) maintain our temperatures within a very narrow range over a wide variation in external conditions.

Just try to be sure your broody has good ventilation, well shaded pen and easy access to water and food.

Good Luck,

Sandie

 

[Bunnylady]

The eggs are due to hatch July 9, so we have a lo-ong ways to go yet. I candled them on day 4. I wouldn't normally get so antsy, but there were a total of 53 eggs and only 4 hens (yikes!), so if there were any that just weren't going to go, I wanted to get them out of the way so the rest would have the best chance of getting properly looked after. I did weed out two that were unquestionably non-starters.

But yes, all of the eggs arrived intact, no broken shells, only a few with detached air cells. There's a terrific gal working in our local Post Office - she called me when the boxes came in, rather than make them (and me!) wait for the route driver.

The hens are bantam Cochins, and bantam Cochin crosses. They look like chicken pancakes, trying to cover all those eggs! I thought I'd check again in a few days to see if there are any more that have to be pitched, but I'm trying to keep the fussing to a minimum. These hens are such good girls - they usually just growl, they don't even peck at me.