What hatch rate should i expect?

[krista74]

Hi all!

I have a Broody Hen sitting on 11 eggs, some of which are BO x BO, others are BO x RIR.

Of the 11 eggs, one got cracked, so I candled it and found a live chick inside.

I sealed the crack with melted candle wax and popped it back under the hen. I have not candled any other eggs, and do not intend to - I want to leave Broody alone to do her thing as nature intended.

Anyway, I was wondering what sort of hatching rate I can expect?

I am a first time chicken owner and really have no idea! I guess the fact that there is one live chick (or was, anyway, fingers crossed) indicates that George is indeed fertile.

We are on Day 13 now, and it's the last week of Winter. Broody has not left her nest except to eat and drink and poop (and let us never talk of THAT again.....!)

Thanks,

- Krista

 

[avocado]

As it's the 'proper' natural way, if say your chances are good!

 

[avocado]

*I would say

 

[krista74]

Do you think it would be unreasonable to expect maybe 8 out of 11 to hatch?

Or is that too optimistic?

 

[krista74]

Cancel that question.

I just went to the coop and three out of the 11 eggs are smashed/eaten/destroyed somehow.

The nest stinks!

I replaced some of the hay and put the other eggs back in but they are covered in muck now.

I suspect none will hatch now.

I was so excited.......

- Krista