Silly old-timer question!!

[gritsar]

Maybe I'd feel better if I was a newbie asking this question.

Would you eat fertilized eggs that a succession of hens has sat on steadily for over 24 hrs.?

Lil' Bit sat on some(?) eggs from before 9 AM yesterday until 6:30 PM. When I noticed that she was finally off the nest, I went in to collect them and found Maggie sitting on them. Later, I went to lock them up for the night and Maggie was still on them so I left her alone. When I opened the coop this morning, Maggie is off that nest and now Bluey is sitting on them! All of these hens hiss and bite (bite! not peck) when I try to look under them, so I've left them alone. I could just put on gloves and remove the eggs, but not sure if I should since I do want a broody.

If Bluey gets off that nest sometime today and one of her sisters doesn't jump right on them, should I keep the eggs for eating or selling or feed them to the dog?

I have always felt that letting a broody hatch youngin's was the best way, but now I'm really starting to see the value of a bator. Half broody hens can be a pain in the tail feathers!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

I'd throw them, only because they've been kept warm for an extended period of time.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I would not have a problem for 12 hours, but over that, I certainly would not sell them. If you want to use them yourself, try cracking them in a separate bowl and look. You should be able to see if there is anything there that might disturb you. If they look OK, use them.

I still think you need to get the incubator and use it. Once your Brahmas see you don't need them to go broody, they will.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yep, that's what I'm afraid of. The brinsea bator will be ordered as soon as we get back to normal after the wedding.

 

[kinnip]

I'd eat 'em. Might not sell 'em, but I'd eat 'em.

 

[Imp]

Purple Chicken started a thread about this last night. I think the conclusion was it was OK. Personally I don't know, but you could think of them as rare Balut.

Imp-You could be inventing the latest food rage.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I'm not the squeamish type, but I think I'll stick with the old standby of scrambled eggs and bacon, tyvm.

 

[gritsar]

Now it's the broody three step! Bluey is off the nest and Lil' Bit is back on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Marlinchaser]

If only set on for 24 hours you may have a large Bullseye, but nothing that should be distrurbing. I always say if in doubt feed it to the kids, if they dont get sick, it should be safe for me the next time.

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
Yep, that's what I'm afraid of. The brinsea bator will be ordered as soon as we get back to normal after the wedding.

Didnt you register at TSC, maybe it will come as a wedding gift.