What comes next??

[huntsman]

I have a broody hen on six eggs:

Firstly, how can I tell if the eggs are fertilised?

Then, what do I do now? Leave food near the hen, or will she continue to eat from the main bucket?

Will the eggs just hatch out or do I intervene?

How long do they take to hatch?

Thanks for your patience!

 

[Kedreeva]

You can't tell if the eggs are fertilized unless you crack them open or candle them after they have incubated for a while.

incubation takes 21 days for chickens.

If the eggs are under a broody, let her take care of it and watch to make sure she is.

 

[pgpoultry]

Right, you can take the eggs and candle them at day 7 or 8 to check fertility (when broody off the nest to feed/water).

Most broody hens come off the eggs once or twice daily to eat, drink and eliminate, usually being off the eggs less than 30 minutes. Occasionally they are reluctant to move in which case place food and fluid very close to her in her broody pen.

Chicks hatch at about day 21 (some may take a few days more) and can take up to 24 hours to hatch. You need do nothing, she will take care of the chicks and the hatching.

And...good luck,


Sandie

 

[huntsman]

Great news, thank you!