Someone please help! My chicken stopped laying on her eggs!

[ChickenChicka98589]

I am a new chicken owner and this is one of my chickens first time trying to hatch eggs and she gave up last minute and has stopped laying on them! its been a day or 2 but do you think they could still survive if i put them in the incubator? Id hate to let them go they are fully developed

 

[ChickNanny13]

How long has she been sitting on them? Are you sure she's not sitting, maybe she just got off to eat/drink/poop? Depending on the weather (warm) where you're at & amount of days (longer the better) she's been sitting, they may still have a chance. Stick them in the incubator & candle them. I'm just guessing from my experience (minimal) hatching eggs.....Others will peep in with advice.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. It all depends upon how far along in incubation they are, how badly they got chilled, and how long they were chilled. Putting them in an incubator is worth a try. Just monitor to make sure that they remain viable. 'Exploding' eggs are no fun.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Welcome to BYC. It all depends upon how far along in incubation they are, how badly they got chilled, and how long they were chilled. Putting them in an incubator is worth a try. Just monitor to make sure that they remain viable. 'Exploding' eggs are no fun.

Yes, EXPLODING eggs are NO FUN at all! Worst if it's geese eggs

 

[ChickenChicka98589]

How long has she been sitting on them? Are you sure she's not sitting, maybe she just got off to eat/drink/poop? Depending on the weather (warm) where you're at & amount of days (longer the better) she's been sitting, they may still have a chance. Stick them in the incubator & candle them. I'm just guessing from my experience (minimal) hatching eggs.....Others will peep in with advice.

Ive been tracking since i noticed her laying on them and today would be the 21st day and i go out there everyday to check on them and i know she gets off to eat and drink but she usually would go right back on but the last 2 days ive noticed her off of them more than usual and i had to go out last night to quiet the rooster and she was with the others on the roost instead of on the eggs so i dont think it has been to long but i live in washington and its starting to get real cold so idk how long they can go in the cold I looked at them and they are big really close to hatching im sure

 

[ChickenChicka98589]

Welcome to BYC. It all depends upon how far along in incubation they are, how badly they got chilled, and how long they were chilled. Putting them in an incubator is worth a try. Just monitor to make sure that they remain viable. 'Exploding' eggs are no fun.

Thank you! Id say they are probably about 16 days give or take they are pretty far along from what i saw i think she has only been off of them for a day but it is gettng pretty cold ive got them under a heat lamp for now and am heading out to get an incubator i just hope it works Those poor babies

 

[sourland]

Good luck. They may very well still be viable.

Edited to add : check the nest site to make sure it is not infested with mites. Mite infestation is a prime cause for hens to leave their nest.

 

[ChickenChicka98589]

Good luck. They may very well still be viable.

Edited to add : check the nest site to make sure it is not infested with mites. Mite infestation is a prime cause for hens to leave their nest.

Oh no really how do tell if they have mites yikes

 

[sourland]

Just place your hand in the nest. If there are mites, they will swarm over your hand. They will also be visible as small dots moving on the eggs.

 

[ChickenChicka98589]

Thanks for your help guys Got them in the incubator hope they hatch! Ill post an update if they do!