My Banty is due to hatch today or tomorrow. Today is day 20. As of tonight there is still no pipping. Last week when I took her off the nest so she could eat and dustbathe, I noticed that one of her eggs had broken and the other eggs were stuck to each other and to the hay underneath. I tried to rub and scrape off as much of the yolk as I could with the hay and with my fingernail then I changed the hay in her nest. I was afraid to wash the eggs off since I read somewhere that was not good to do. Another question, how long should I give her past day 21 if they don't hatch tomorrow? Third Question, if these eggs don't hatch and I put new eggs under her, she would probably set for three more weeks. She's a great broody and mamma. Is that a good idea? She does take pretty good care of herself while broody. She eats and drinks well and takes dust baths every day. Thanks for any help you could give.
1st question, I don't think it will hurt the eggs. As long as you cleaned it up the best you could, you should be fine. I had eggs with yolk and dirt on them hatch fine. Washing the eggs with liquid washes off the protective coating, and makes it easy for bacteria to enter, which is why people say - don't do it 2nd question... I'd give them about 5-6 more days past day 21, then candle & do a float test. If theres no sign of life, discard the eggs. 3rd question, I had a hen sit for about 50 days once. ( first set of eggs didn't hatch, we couldn't break her from being broody, so we let her set again ) She was fine. As long as she's taking care of herself, getting down for about 15 minutes every day, she should be totally fine Good luck! -Becca
Quote:I would suggest to leave the eggs alone completely.... If they hatch then SUCCESS!, but if they don't THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT TIME! I would wait 'til day 24 and if nothing I would candle for any signs of movement, or do the float test. If you get any movement take those eggs that moved and put them back under her.
quintinp and ♥HoneyBee♥, Thank you for your answers! Today when I checked her I heard some peeping under her so I left her alone. I'm so happy!
YOu asked all my questions thanks!!! hoping to start getting some chicks today or tomorrow.!! I know that one of them really smells bad!!!
