Worrid I'm new to having chickens

[DanielleBoyer]

Can someone please help me out my hen had 8 eggs total. At first there was 2 then the 2 days later there was 6 more she was sitting on them and one 1 hatched and now she won't sit on the rest of the eggs what can I do to see if they will hatch or if they are gone

 

[brucifer]

Get a cheap styrofoam incubator, and incubate the eggs. Some may still hatch. In the meantime, try to keep them warm with a heating pad or something similar. If you really want to hatch the abandoned eggs, it will take some effort on your part. Time is of the essence. Best of luck.

 

[DanielleBoyer]

I did that now. But how long should I wait. And what else should I do

 

[brucifer]

I did that now. But how long should I wait. And what else should I do

The longer that the eggs are out of an incubator or out from under a broody hen, the less likely they will survive. I know tomorrow is Easter, but you should get an incubator tomorrow morning if at all possible. I've know of people who have had hatching eggs go stone cold, yet they still were able to hatch them. You will need to work quickly though.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. It's just an opinion, but I'd be more inclined to ditch the eggs and get some day old chicks as soon as you can. The broody hen may well accept them as her own, but just make sure that you have a brooder set up, in case that doesn't happen.

Good luck in whatever you decide

CT

 

[drumstick diva]

If the egg total jumped so high in a couple days, other hens were probably laying eggs in her nest box. I agree with CTken, I would get the mama another new chick or two to give the long hatched chick companions.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under DanielleBoyer

Welcome!

As you have already received some good advice, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[redsoxs]

Hello from Kansas, DanielleBoyer, and

! Great to have you in our flock! I also concur with the advice of CTKen - good luck and happy hatching and thanks for joining BYC!!