Silkie still laying eggs but not broody yet, eggs still viable????

[Angel Anderson]

Hi...I have a 1st time mom/silkie and she is laying about an egg a day, turning them each day, but not sitting on them yet? It has been 2 weeks and she is up to 15 eggs. Are they still viable as long as she is turning them or not??? thanks!

 

[HEChicken]

Fertility starts to decrease after about 7 days. Even though she is a silkie, it is still best to wait until she is broody before giving her eggs to sit on. I've heard of a silkie who a year after she started to lay had never gone broody so there is no guarantee yours will, or that she will do it soon.

When you gather eggs, you could keep them in a carton in your house at room temperature, and just tilt the carton a couple of times a day to gently turn the eggs. When you get up to a dozen, start eating the oldest ones and keep adding to it so you always have the dozen freshest eggs. That way if and when she shows signs of broodiness, you will have some viable eggs to place under her.

 

[Angel Anderson]

Thank you! I appreciate the advice!