Trying to ensure a better hatch

[CDennis]

I have a broody hen sitting on eggs since the 26th. I had a very bad first experence a few months ago w/ a broody hen who kept sitting and killed two chicks in the process. After that I swore I wouldn't let another one sit, but I guess I am a sucker. What can I do to ensure the best hatch (everyone hatches near the same time)? When do I start counting days. I was told a long time ago that after all the eggs are layed is when the 21 days starts but is that true? I do need to move her, as my guniea likes to snuggle when laying and I am afraid she may keep adding eggs to the nest. Any other pointers?

 

[busylizzie]

I would move her to a separate nest to prevent more eggs being added.....personally I mark one egg and let her sit on that until i have gathered the eggs i want to hatch - either the hens own or others and then I set them all at the same time so i know when the 21 days start......plus obviously remove the one i was letting her sit on before.

Good luck

 

[CDennis]

She actually abandoned her nest last night, 9 cute little eggs all cold. What a shame! So I will start again, how you advised. How do you store the collected eggs until ready to put under her? I would assume for no longer than a few days? I know not in the fridge but is there a temp they need to be kept at? As if so that might be a problem since its summer and my house sits at 75-78! Thanks in advance. Also I have one guinea, if I want her to hatch out gunieas I need to stick to just guineas right? Since the time is different for hatching.