Secret hiding place (picture heavy)

[jrleader99]

Today is day 26 since I found her sitting on them. This is killing me too. I just want to reach under her and pull and egg out and see what is going on in there but I know that would or could be disastrous.

I am hoping that I get the call from my wife to say that she went out and saw some fuzzy butts. The issue with that is that she just doesn't understand the extent that we are all anticipating.

 

[Chickens14]

 

[momreda]

Quote:
Where are you going to kep all those babies until they can go outside? Sounds to me like you need a new baby coop

 

[speckledhen]

Day 26, hmm. Honestly, I'd think some would have hatched by now if they were going to. What type rooster do you have with the hens? Sorry if you've already said what breed.

 

[jrleader99]

I have a mixed batch of hens and roos.

Hens = Black and Red Sexlink, EE, BO, RIR

Roosters = RIR and two unknown white roos

 

[coloradochick]

JMO, but if it were me I think I'd go in and see what was going on especially the eggs towards the bottom. Good luck, I've been subscribed to this from your very first post. Very exciting!!!

 

[newchickmom09]

Oh my still no chicks yet..... hope everything is ok with them.

 

[nursemeh]

what a shame if none have developed after all. I know way back at the beginning of all this there were some who said that with that large of a clutch it would be very difficult for her to keep them all warm enough.

I wonder how long it takes for a hen's instincts "kick in" to abandon the nest?

And I wonder if you slipped some day old hatchlings under her before that time, what would happen? Would she automatically care for the hatchlings?

Would she peck you to death as you tried to slip them in there? If you did it at night, in the dark, perhaps she would be fooled thinking they were hers?

I want this poor determined bird to get to mother something after all this!

 

[FortWorthChicks]

Aw I was hoping when I saw the new post that some chicks would have hatched. This is getting hard. I feel bad for that hen.

Since it is day 26, I am starting to doubt the eggs are going to hatch.

I think someone else was right about checking the eggs down low on the pile and maybe getting some day old chicks for her. After all she is really ready to be a mommy. If things don;t happen the way we have all been wishing and wanting I wonder if you would consider getting some chicks to slip under her?

I am not giving up, if momma hen has not given up then there is still a chance but I would start thinking about the what if factor.

 

[Minniechickmama]

I would think that after 26 days that things would not be in favor of getting any chicks. With that many, I can't imagine she could have kept them all going with enough heat, especially with the weather you have had there this last month. Sorry to sound like a downer. I would say, slip her some fresh eggs and let her hatch them in her "broody box".
Good luck. I hope you can prove me wrong on this.