Still more advice needed on hatchings please

[Newtothis]

Ok - it's day 23 and eggs are still eggs!

Not sure if it's something we've done wrong - or maybe just dodgy eggs, but Myfanwy is still sitting tight and is determined to be a mummy.....

What should we do now?

If we take the eggs away and introduce her back to her sisters will that cause any problems?

Or should we get some more eggs - there is a lady nearby with some now - ( not ebay ) - or will she just give up of her own accord soon?

Also is it possible to pop some day olds under her while she isn't looking - or will she turn on them?

David

[petal]

You can pop day olds under her in the evening- put them from behind, removing the dud eggs as you go- add some broken eggs shell to help decieve her. You are not so far from us- I have chicks hatching in an incubator next to me as I type!!!!

[RichmondHens]

Have you listened to the eggs (hold one up to your ear)? If there is a live chick in there by now you will hear faint cheeping and some scratching noises. If it is silent then it is likely to be dead or infertile so you can get rid. It's worth cracking them open though just to see what went wrong for next time.

I wouldn't sit the hen again, she will lose too much condition and as she has been sitting for the full three weeks anyway is likely to abandon the hatch as her hormones return to normal. But you certainly could do what Petal suggests and introduce some day olds, just be prepared with a heat lamp/brooder in case she doesn't like them.

[Newtothis]

Thanks for advise - again!
I will get the hang of this eventually.
I've listened to the eggs and they are all silent - so looks like Myfanwy has been keeping non fertile eggs warm. I'll crack them later RH and see what is inside.
Petal - I'm in work this morning but may be able to get over later.
What breed are your chicks?

David

[Newtothis]

Hi all
Managed to get some 2 day old chicks locally today, so I'll try and convince Myfanwy that they are hers later tonight.
2 x Cream Legbar (girls) 1 x Lavender Anacuna (think it's a girl ) 1 x Exchequer Leghorn (not at all sure...)
I'll keep my fingers crossed - and a box with a lamp ready just in case.
Try and post some pics too.

David

[petal]

sorry - been in garden all day! they are mostly pekins, and very, very noisy, already....

[jessmorris]

Good luck NTT, I've done the broken eggshell-take out the old eggs and replace with live chicks at night thing. It worked!

[Newtothis]

OK our IL have turned up with 4 chicks that they bought for us. They are 3 days so may be a bit too old but we've put them under Myfanwy and scattered a few eggshells under. She seemed to be OK with this.
Fingers crossed.....

[petal]

good luck!

[Newtothis]

Thanks Petal
It's funny how things just 'turn up' and after we'd decided that maybe it would be next year before we had a go at hatching again...
Only 3 of the chicks survived the first night - not sure what happened with the other one, as Myfanwy had settled down nicely.
The remaining 3 are thriving - and Myfanwy has brought them out into the sunshie and started 'breaking up' their crumb for them - which is very cute to see.
The remaining chicks are a cream legbar girl, a lavender aracuna and an exchquer leghorn.
I'll try and post some pics soon.

David

[RichmondHens]

I keep all those breeds and they are lovely. Exchequer chicks are especially cute aren't they, just like little dalmatians. Good luck with them all.

[Newtothis]

The Exchequer chick is a great looker and definately the 'leader of the pack' - first into everything, the aracuna is the smallest and also the loudest, whilst the cream legbar is most reserved. It's amazing how they have such definate personalities so young.

[chris]

Just caught up on this, as have been out of the loop for a while - was wondering what happened with your broody

Good idea though, my stubborn broody is broody again day old that are autosexing could be an idea for us in the future! Would have to have a backup plan ready incase she rejects them mind.

Glad it went well though, love the pics in your other thread