The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Smashy and gang on June 21, 2011, 12:02:41 pm

Title: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: Smashy and gang on June 21, 2011, 12:02:41 pm

Hi - we put 8 eggs under our broody Speckledy - we have one chick and only 3 eggs left!  We were aware that one egg disappeared about 10 days ago - but another 3 have disappeared - some evidence of shell left, that's all (no evidence of shell or anything when the first one went).  Broodie is in a very protected coop, with fine mesh, in a locked shed - so don't think I can blame Foxy-Loxy or rats.  Presumably she has eaten them???? Yuk. 

Also, of our three eggs left, can we expect anymore to hatch now (it's 48 hours since the one hatched out and we're now day 23).

Thanks!

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: Crofter on June 21, 2011, 12:51:30 pm

If they were all set at the same time I don't think you'll get anymore now. Never heard of a broody eating eggs though!

Dave

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: sam.t on June 21, 2011, 02:07:00 pm

one of our hens always eats the eggs when broody and any that did manage to hatch she a crap mother and she a silkie (sacked now had 2 chances lol)
sam :chook:

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: Roxy on June 21, 2011, 05:00:25 pm

One of my banties was sitting on 8 eggs, bit disappointing, as only 3 hatched (and that was over 48 hours)  chicks in other eggs, but did not look full term.  Usually, the hen chucks the egg out from under her, when she loses hope of any more hatching.  They seem to know if there is a live chick still to hatch, and will carry on sitting until it does. 

Have you lifted the egg and listened if there is any cheeping, or movement?

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: doganjo on June 21, 2011, 08:57:41 pm

Quote from: Smashy and gang on June 21, 2011, 12:02:41 pm

Hi - we put 8 eggs under our broody Speckledy - we have one chick and only 3 eggs left!  We were aware that one egg disappeared about 10 days ago - but another 3 have disappeared - some evidence of shell left, that's all (no evidence of shell or anything when the first one went).  Broodie is in a very protected coop, with fine mesh, in a locked shed - so don't think I can blame Foxy-Loxy or rats.  Presumably she has eaten them???? Yuk. 

Also, of our three eggs left, can we expect anymore to hatch now (it's 48 hours since the one hatched out and we're now day 23).

Thanks!

I never give up on hatching till at least 4 or 5 days after the last date due. That date is arbitrary if it is an inexperienced broody and she doesn't sit steadily to start with.

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: Smashy and gang on June 21, 2011, 10:38:34 pm

Thanks everyone - so maybe she did eat the other eggs - its the only option I can think of!  Don't think she'll even get a second chance at sitting. No, haven't picked them up to listen for chirping, I'm a bit of a wimp on that front, will get my son to do it instead! 

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: Roxy on June 22, 2011, 12:27:50 am

When your son breaks them open,  tell him to stand well back - they smell rather awful to put to it politely.

Title: Re: Disappearing eggs and late hatching
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 23, 2011, 11:58:29 am

yes, I had a broody who ate all but one! And all when they were about to hatch.... :&> :chook: