When it rains, it pours!

[Ponypoor]

EEs are like the Frank’s Red Hot of chickens—they make every breed better

Polish x Silkie
Bert is an awesome rooster!

 

[Ponypoor]

Update:

So, Spindly and Twiggy are both in the semi dosing state. They are all caged in, to keep the others from laying in their nests and I set up a new nest in the only remaining space that was viable, in the corner, under the ramp .
Thanks to which, retrieving the eggs allows me to practice that rare Kung-Fu discipline, known as crouching polar bear with serving spoon.

I expect chicks to start erupting under Spindly, around 23 January, with Twiggy being due a few days after (4 to 5). If Spindly abandons her nest as per protocol and there are still some eggs, I though I might candle them quickly and if any look good, try popping them under Twiggy. Any advice on that would be most appreciated. As I have no incubator, that is the best plan I can think of.

Wow that’s a hard one. Does she always abandon her nest? Wonder why?

4-5 days after a clutch hatches is a long time. Mama will want to get her babies out and about eating fairly fast.

Best bet is to keep Spindly’s crate darkened and quiet as possible. Hopefully that keeps her on the nest. I did this with a first time mum last summer, and she was a great mama, behaved herself and sat her eggs.

 

[2ndTink]

Polish x Silkie
Bert is an awesome rooster!
View attachment 4284225

He's a handsome guy!

 

[Ponypoor]

He's a handsome guy!

An orange creamsicle I think the colour is called… hahaha.

He has been rehomed about a year and half ago and has his own harem now. His Hooman and I are getting a chick order in April, so Bert will get some new chickies.

 

[Tired old Rooster]

ah, I know this one well. Trying to retrieve eggs from under the very back corner of the one coop where my wise birds believe to be the best nesting spot

I don't have advice on the broody situation. I have always used incubators. Any chance there is someone around you with one you could borrow if needed?

Sadly, the incubator option is out. Will have to just do the best I can. Will do what I can to keep it dark and calm at their nests.

 

[2ndTink]

Sadly, the incubator option is out. Will have to just do the best I can. Will do what I can to keep it dark and calm at their nests.

Hopefully she'll stay put and make it through hatching

 

[Bsmac]

Polish x Silkie
Bert is an awesome rooster!
View attachment 4284225

He`s a handsome boy!

 

[Cloverfluff]

Just get a few silkies

That would probably do it. My silkie brooded 3 times last year, two with successful hatches.