Will these hatch?

[daystardoberman]

I have plastic crates, milk type, that one of my hens got broody in. It's on the dirt floor of their cooper in a cozy corner. But there's very little nesting material in it. She's doing a good job sitting, she's all puffed out on top and hasn't gotten out of there. Got upset when I tried to take the eggs. So I left her there, there's plenty if other eggs in the other nest boxes. So if the eggs are on the plastic without hay or straw bedding, will they still hatch?

 

[MGG]

I would say yes. We incubate eggs on plastic grates in incubators all the time with zero issues. Just let her do her thing.

 

[daystardoberman]

I would say yes. We incubate eggs on plastic grates in incubators all the time with zero issues. Just let her do her thing.

Thanks! I usually buy day old chicks but I sure don't mind if she raises a few too.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Do you have a rooster? If not you will need to break that broody.

I wonder if you put hay in around her if she would arrange it.....worth a try I think.

How long til they should hatch?
Can you sneak in while she is off the nest and put hay or shavings in there?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Yes, but possibly with less success.

Bedding's function is threefold.

Insulation, the lack of which can be an issue, especially in cold weather.

Structure. Can the eggs roll out from under her? Can they roll out to her sides so that they're less well-covered and she has to constantly adjust, thus losing heat?

Padding. Especially as the eggs develop, the shells become more fragile, which can lead to a tragic situation a day or two before hatch.

 

[daystardoberman]

The eggs are completely underneath her. I can't see any eggs. She doesn't appear to leave the crate.

 

[daystardoberman]

Do you have a rooster? If not you will need to break that broody.

I wonder if you put hay in around her if she would arrange it.....worth a try I think.

How long til they should hatch?
Can you sneak in while she is off the nest and put hay or shavings in there?

Yes I have 4 roos. She's not leaving the box very much..if at all. Every time I go in there, she's all spread out over the eggs. .she's been on these for a week. If they don't hatch in a month, I'll throw them out. I have some store bought chicks in a brooder so if they don't hatch it's no big deal. It would be fun if they do, though.