When to take out new eggs from under broody hen?

[NNations]

My 6 month old OEGB, Coco, is broody and after a few days of taking the eggs away we decided it would be fun to let her hatch a few. She laid an egg on Sunday, Monday was her skip day but we slipped another hen’s egg under her and so far today Coco hasn’t laid another egg so she may officially be done laying and focusing on hatching. (Honestly don’t know when she’ll stop laying so anyone who has knowledge on that I would love to hear it.) We were going to let her sit on 3 eggs but my question is when do you stop putting eggs under her? I am concerned that if she lays today (day 3) and we let her sit on it too that it’ll hatch late and she will get off the nest. But I keep reading about how hens can lay on 12 eggs...how do they hatch within a day or two when they were laid in a 12 day span? Anyone have knowledge or advice on this? This is our first go at this. Thanks y’all!

I attached a picture of Coco on her nest for fun.

 

[SueT]

She could hatch more eggs, but it is best to add them all at one time, avoiding a staggered hatch. Put dates on the ones she has so that you know which they are.

 

[NNations]

Here is a video I took so my daughter’s could see Coco situation the new egg underneath her.

 

[Broodygranny]

They usually wait to sit until they have a full clutch of eggs. My hens dont lay after they start to set. They lay eggs before they start sitting. If they have eggs too far from hatching they get up and take care of the hatched chicks.

 

[NNations]

She could hatch more eggs, but it is best to add them all at one time, avoiding a staggered hatch. Put dates on the ones she has so that you know which they are.

Yes, I numbered them 1 and 2 and have a calendar in my house. Do you think we should let her keep a 3rd if she lays one or is 3 days too spread out?

 

[NNations]

They usually wait to sit until they have a full clutch of eggs. My hens dont lay after they start to set. They lay eggs before they start sitting. If they have eggs too far from hatching they get up and take care of the hatched chicks.

Oh ok, I was wondering how they developed the full clutch of eggs. Thank you! Do you know how far is too far apart? Wondering about that 3rd day?

 

[Broodygranny]

I am not sure, I just know I have had other hens get in the broody chickens nest and sneak in extra eggs. She left them when her chicks hatched, and I put them in the incubator. A couple hatched within a day or so, and she took them in. I put them with the others when she was distracted by food treats. If you do this be careful, because some hens accept them, but others attack them.

 

[NNations]

I am not sure, I just know I have had other hens get in the broody chickens nest and sneak in extra eggs. She left them when her chicks hatched, and I put them in the incubator. A couple hatched within a day or so, and she took them in. I put them with the others when she was distracted by food treats. If you do this be careful, because some hens accept them, but others attack them.

Good to know, thanks! I don't have an incubator...maybe I should look into that just in case.

 

[NNations]

They usually wait to sit until they have a full clutch of eggs. My hens dont lay after they start to set. They lay eggs before they start sitting. If they have eggs too far from hatching they get up and take care of the hatched chicks.

So how do you know your hen is going to sit on the eggs before she goes broody and you don’t collect the eggs like I did?

 

[50-45-1]

I let my broodies sit on golf balls until i have enough of the eggs i want her to hatch. This way all eggs are started at the same time.
Your video is so sweet!
I have a hen named Everest who is now hatching 8 eggs. They are due to hatch on september 24th.
I would give Coco a third egg, maybe even a 4th. She has the room, and what if one doesant hatch and you have given her ony two.
Good luck and keep us updated!