What will the hen do if her eggs don't hatch?

[mangobingo]

We have a little silkie sitting on just one egg. If it doesn't hatch after 3 weeks, what will she do? Keep sitting there indefinitely, or give up and go out with the rest of the girls again? Is she likely to start laying and go broody again immediately? Also, she's got a golf ball under there too. Should we take it away so she doesn't keep sitting on it and ignore the chick, if the egg hatches?

Thanks!

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

It depends on the hen, some will sit for a few more days and give up, some will sit for weeks and never want to give up.

 

[mangobingo]

Oh dear. Well, I'm sure she'll be OK if perhaps feeling a little foolish eventually

 

[pinkyglory123]

I had the same exact question. This morning-day 28 I finally removed the eggs which did not hatch. She had been diligent about setting. Took them away gently and she immediately got up, shook herself and went to eatin and drinkin with a vengance. I only ended up with two chicks-two perfect chicks-but it is so bitter cold I am glad she does not have a ton to cover. standard white coching-momma fantastic-and buff orpington chicks. First hatch-learned a lot. was thinking if I did not take them she would still be on them in spring!

 

[deerman]

My gamehens will set for 3 months if eggs don't hatch

 

[mangobingo]

Right, if this little egg doesn't hatch, I think we'll remove all eggs, golf balls and egg-shaped objects and see what she does. Thanks!

 

[CDennis]

Mine sit forever, and depending on the hen if a chick does hatch I normally pull it because my hens all seem to like the sitting on eggs part better than raising their own chicks. I have had hens sit another month after they should have had a hatch.

 

[suvern]

hi i want to know ,my hen sat on her eggs for 21 days nothing hatched all duds ,i put fertile eggs under her will she sit for another 21 days?