Stray Hen

[lena_]

it was left out in the pen for about a week now, temps here have been around 100..... hen never sat on the eggs either. You think I should just go ahead and grab the rest and start incubating them? I really want to leave them alone and see if my hen set on it though, and she's not done with her clutch yet.

Sounds like they have developed, with those high temps then it certainly is possible. I would grab the rest and pop them in the incubator. Maybe leave a few for the hen, like three or four if there are plenty.

 

[ronott1]

So eggs are still edible after being under a 100 degree sun for a week? I'm so afraid to crack an egg open and find vein. Would feel like I killed it!

Yes! You can tell when an egg is bad. Eggs from a backyared are a lot different from store eggs. The commercial eggs have had the protection--bloom removed in very aggressive washing and treatment. I am convinced that the treatment that eggs go through is why store eggs taste funny

 

[StrayHen]

crack one into a bowl first to make sure there are no veins. If not, it I fine to eat it

just cracked one. Why is it all broken like that?

 

[Flockandfowl46]

It wasn't fertile and she started "cooking" it when she sat on it

Do not eat eggs that a broody has sat on for more than 24 hours

 

[Flockandfowl46]

Although it is a delicacy in some countries

 

[StrayHen]

Although it is a delicacy in some countries

Why is it a delicacy? I think you meant the unborn chicks right? But this is just a half cooked egg...

 

[Fishkeeper]

Broody hens don't go non-broody on their own most of the time. Either they have to hatch chicks and hear the peeping after a certain amount of time, or you have to 'break' the broodiness. Put them in a dog cage so they're off the ground, dip their front gently in cool water, that sort of thing. Cool the belly down. If you don't break it on purpose, she'll probably stay broody until chicks hatch.

 

[lena_]

If you want, you could find a Tractor Supply store near you, buy some chicks, and slip them under her while it's dark and she will likely accept them as her own. That will put her out of broody mode and into 'mothering' mode.

But only do this if you want chickens. As she is a game breed she will likely be a very good mother, and a very devoted sitter at that.

just cracked one. Why is it all broken like that?

Egg yolks get broken like that after they have been shaken, or if you cracked the egg on the side of the bowl and it pierced the yolk as well.

 

[RWise]

IF you dont want to keep chickens, post her up in the section for rehoming free animals. This way she can have a flock to be with, and safety.
Good luck!

 

[aart]

I'm still not very sure I want to start my own chicken coop unless if chicks are going to hatch, then I feel responsible to care for them. So we'll see.

Then don't..... Ignore the enablers...and enact your logic.

Gather those eggs every day from the nest....and find someone to take the bird.

I'm not sure this bird is broody if she's not staying on the nest all night and is still laying eggs...and folks telling you to get chicks and roosters when you don't even have a coop and not sure you want one is ridiculous.

Chickens can indeed be fun, but it's not that easy or cost free to get set up....and caring for them does take time, sometimes 'like right now' time.