Why isn't my narrgansett hen sitting?

[Lifes Journey]

My narrgansett hen laid her first egg about a week ago. She's had a total of 5 in a week and a half but is not setting on them. Does that mean the eggs aren't any good? And should I take them from her? Or will she start sitting once she thinks her clutch is big enough? Thank you in advance.

 

[WalnutHill]

Not all hens are interested in being broody. Does she just lay the egg and walk away, or does she come back, roll them around, guard them from you, etc? If she doesn't act broody you may as well collect them for incubation. I assume you have a tom with her?

 

[Lifes Journey]

Yes, she just lays them and leaves and doesnt try protecting them at all. We do have a Tom in there with her. So does that mean the eggs are fertile? Sorry these are our first turkeys. Thank you for your response

 

[Lifes Journey]

This is also her first time laying she's around a year old. Since she's not going broody now does that mean she won't go broody in the future either? Thanks

 

[VikkiP]

The eggs should be fertile, if your tom is doing his job too.

Just because she isn't broody now doesn't mean she won't go broody next month or next year. Narragansetts in general are known for their good mothering capability.

 

[Lifes Journey]

Thank you .....I think we need to invest in an incubator until she decides she's ready

 

[WalnutHill]

Where are you? I'd be happy to "adopt" them as I already have an incubator up and running, or incubate them for you if you are nearby. I'm in SE Michigan.

 

[Lifes Journey]

I'm in pa we went a bought an incubator lastnight so hopefully we can hatch them. We just put them in maybe an hour ago. Thank you though.