Some questions about eggs, egglaying, and brooding

[ESofVA]

I have a Silkie that has started laying her first eggs here in eastern VA. If the eggs get a bit of poo on them, should I scrape it off with maybe a fingernail or leave it there if she sits on them? If she starts brooding, will they hatch this time of year outside? What about the chicks, won't they get too cold? She is laying in my small coop that several other chickens go in, should I try to get her to start using a smaller, private box?

OK, what about chickens that ar on antibiotics like Tylan. Will their eggs hatch???
Thanks!!

 

[DKrueger4]

I can answer your first question. Very, very gently remove the feces with a damp toothbrush. Move her to a separate box inside the house with at least six of possibly fertile eggs. Do you have a rooster? When in warmer weather after they hatch she will keep the chicks warm and safe. It takes 21 days until they hatch. She can hatch them in warmer weather because she will pull breast feathers off to warm them up more.
Good Luck!

-Dale