Unhatched Eggs

[GameGirl]

The eggs in one of my wood duck boxes hatched two days ago. But there are still 4 eggs in the nest unhatched. Is it possible that these eggs will still hatch? I am afraid to handle them too much, but should I candle them to see or just give it a few more days.

I was also wondering if it is still early enough for another hen to possibly nest in the box if I cleaned it out.

 

[sourland]

I'm assuming that the hen has left the box with the ducklings? If so, you might move the 4 eggs to an incubator just in case they were added to the clutch after the hen started setting.I would clean the box out, and another hen may very well use it.

 

[GameGirl]

Yes, the hen has gone and I have been checking it, but no one has been sitting them. That's what I was thinking, clean out the box.

Wish I had an incubator. I was waiting until next spring to purchase one. My chicken and turkey flock will be two years old by then. I do have a hen setting 5 turkey eggs. I am anxious to see if she is able to hatch them!

 

[ducksinarow]

You could try a cardboard box, light bulb, and a bowl of water. There is one like this posted on backyard chickens.

 

[GameGirl]

I will look into that! Thanks!