Thought Eggs were not viable....

[Nedsoleggs]

Hi, we have a broody hen that has been sitting in eggs. We thought that couldn’t be viable as it’s about 4 weeks now. However, I carefully chipped a little line in the shell and found feathers and movement!
It’s been well over the 21 days. Is there a chance they could still hatch? Thanks!

 

[Amc29]

Has she been sitting the full four weeks, or could the first week just have been her continuing to lay and maybe prolonging time she spent on the nest? If the chick seems developed and is moving, I would be hesitant to take any further action.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Has she been sitting the full four weeks, or could the first week just have been her continuing to lay and maybe prolonging time she spent on the nest? If the chick seems developed and is moving, I would be hesitant to take any further action.

Yes. If other hens had access to the nest, they might also have added their eggs at any time...

 

[Nedsoleggs]

Has she been sitting the full four weeks, or could the first week just have been her continuing to lay and maybe prolonging time she spent on the nest? If the chick seems developed and is moving, I would be hesitant to take any further action.

That could be possible. Thanks for your post!

 

[Nedsoleggs]

Yes. If other hens had access to the nest, they might also have added their eggs at any time...

This is also possible- thank you! We’ll let nature take its coarse....