What to do with broody hen and incubator egg

[pjellen]

I recently bought an incubator and have 10 eggs in it. Today is day 7. I just went to close the coop and found a buff orpington sitting on a nest that had 4 eggs in it this afternoon. I feel she is prob broody. I left her alone and didn't bother to gather the eggs as I usually do. Do you think I could remove those 4 eggs and add the 10 that I have been incubating for 7 days? They will obviously hatch in 2 weeks. I don't know if she will stay broody for the 21 days or if she will be ok hatching babies early. This may be a premature question since i just found her in the nest box, but she is normally on the roost at night with the other hens and rooster.

 

[Ebony Rose]

If it were me, I'd make sure she's still brooding tomorrow, and if so... I would certainly take the four, give her the ten, and put the four in the incubator instead (I'd mark the four in case she abandons the brood). Nothing beats a real mother for rearing chicks. Don't assume she's abandoned them if the first time you check on her she's not there... even a broody hen takes a good half hour to grab a bite to eat, drink, and sometimes dust bathe, so if she's not on the nest, just check back in an hour. If she's still not on the nest, you'll have your answer. Good luck!

 

[GenevieveHad]

I have the same issue! Have a hen that’s been broody for two nights, sleeping in the nesting box and all... it would be her first brood (and mine too under a hen). Eggs have been in the bater for 1 week today. Not sure if I should separate her and let her sit, let her sit in the coop, or keep the eggs in the incubator! I agree it’s always best to let Mother Nature take over, it just makes me nervous that if I move her she’ll abandon her eggs or something terrible will happen
Also, not trying to hijack your thread at all, just have the same problem and thought it’d be silly to post twice!!

 

[pjellen]

I think I'm going with tycine1's advice. This is my 2nd hen to go broody. Unfortunately, the first hen killed her babies as they hatched and i took the almost hatched eggs inside and finished the process with a heating pad. This is my first time with an incubator and the first time for this particular hen. I'd rather she hatch the babies so that she can protect them and they will be more welcome to the flock.

 

[GenevieveHad]

That’s what I’m afraid of happening!! I know my odds of an incubator though as I’ve done it once before. But only once!!!
Good luck to you

 

[pjellen]

Thanks ... and good luck to you too.

 

[Ebony Rose]

I do not recommend moving her (especially with a first time broody hen), unless absolutely necessary. She feels SAFE where she is, so unless you know she's not safe there, I wouldn't fuss with her too much.

 

[chickens really]

I move every Hen without issues. Depends on what your process is. I have luck every time.