Trying the old fashioned way

[mzbrittol]

So I have one hen who looks to be sitting on two hens eggs. Do you guys mark them to know how long they have been in there and what to do to tell if there is anything "growing." I would hate to crack one and find a baby in there growing, my pregnant self could not take that right now. Any advice? Do you pull out the new eggs and only let her keep so many?

 

[Spartan22]

First thing do you have a rooster? If you do, yep you need to mark the eggs you want to incubate and pull out the newer eggs since you don’t want to have too much time difference on hatching. Once she hatch a few chicks within couple of days she will abandon the remaining eggs to take care of the newly hatched chicks.

 

[rita2paul]

you can candle the eggs on day 7 to see if there are any veins. at least you will know that they are growing.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If other hens have access to the nest, it is imperative to mark the eggs so volunteers can be removed, preventing a staggered hatch.
I don't do anything to see if any are growing. I always assume the eggs are fertile and the hens know what they are doing. They are provided with food, water, ventilation, peace and quiet.