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Switching eggs from incubator to broody hen?

Discussion in 'Incubating & Hatching Eggs' started by serendipityfarm, Nov 23, 2010.

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  1. Nov 23, 2010 #1
    serendipityfarm

    serendipityfarm Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I have some eggs in the incubator and am considering putting a couple under Mrs. Broody to let her hatch them naturally. (I'll give the 3 she's sitting on to another broody to finish those). Oh, and the 'bator eggs are at day 18 tonight. Broody's are due next week.
    Any opinions???
     
  3. Nov 23, 2010 #2
    Dipsy Doodle Doo

    Dipsy Doodle Doo ODD BIRD

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    Hi! I move eggs from incubator to broody and broody to incubator all the time and never had any problems with the eggs hatching.
    Good luck!
    [​IMG]
    Lisa
     
  5. Nov 23, 2010 #3
    ssbs

    ssbs Chillin' With My Peeps

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    That seems a bit risky.

    Since the hens know when to go into lockdown. But giving her partially incubated eggs will put that off schedule
     
  7. Nov 23, 2010 #4
    serendipityfarm

    serendipityfarm Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I was given the impression that they know when they are going to hatch (chick movement inside the egg?)
    I got the silkie eggs specifically to get a friend just for her, then she went broody on a couple of her own (XCochin)eggs.
    Anyway, I was thinking if they hatched under her, she'd stop being broody and be mommy instead, and they would think of her as MOM.

    My biggest concern is that it's COLD outside. But I figured it's as warm under Mrs. B as in the incubator or the eggs she's sitting on wouldn't also be developing!
     
  9. Nov 23, 2010 #5
    Dipsy Doodle Doo

    Dipsy Doodle Doo ODD BIRD

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    Jan 11, 2007
    Aiken, South Carolina 29801
    My Coop
    Hi! I don't think your broody-girls will know the difference in the time-line. She should follow her instincts and sit tight with the Day 18 eggs til they hatch (and raise them, if you let her).
    Good Luck!
    Lisa
     
  11. Nov 24, 2010 #6
    bakerjw

    bakerjw Chillin' With My Peeps

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    My first broody was sitting on wooden eggs for several days before I discovered a clutch of fertilized eggs for her to take care of. She ended up sitting for 4 weeks on the fakes and then the fertilized eggs.
     

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