HENthusiastic Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 Hi guys, I have had a broody sitting on eggs since thursday of last week (morning). So this morning, day 6, we open the eglu door as usual and she comes out in a rush (not usual), OH left the house an hour later and she was showing no signs of being broody, or wanting to return to the eggs. OH checked and said the eggs were dirty and cold. We are both now at work all day If my broody has given up, is there any point in me putting another broody with the eggs? I've got a very reliable broody who has hatched before, she only went broody a few days ago, or I'd have chosen her to start with. Theres a chance that the eggs will have been left for about 8 hours. is that too long. Would I be more sensible to give up and start again with new eggs and a new broody? Thanks for any replys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I'd put them under the new broody. Remember what they said at our poultry club meeting.......sometimes in the wild mothers have to abandon the nest for quite a while due to predators being nearby, but then they go back and sit, and the chicks just take a few days longer to hatch. If I were you I'd try it xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I'd also try but candle at the weekend so if there is no sign of life you can swap for new eggs while the broody is still early in to her stint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 17, 2011 Author Share Posted May 17, 2011 Thanks guys. I did remember what she said at poultry club honest, but I guess I just wasn't sure how long she said they could be left for. Ive never had broodys abandon eggs before and now I've had two change their minds! I'm going to collect henrietta from the field (she is a good broody and a good mum) on my way home from work and hopefully, she might go straight onto the eggs. 11 jubilee orpington eggs! Thanks for your quick replys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I would give it a go aswell i had my buff orp abandon her 4 turkey eggs at the weekend on day 26 lucky i had a little pekin bantam go broody a week before so gave her the eggs and she was very pleased when she hatched 4 baby turkeys the next day she didnt have to sit very long leanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 I'd give it another go, and as Mozzer says, be prepared to wait an couple of extra days. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted May 18, 2011 Author Share Posted May 18, 2011 Miller30: your little bantie must have thought she was really clever. Not only did she manage to hatch her babys in only a day, but I bet they were huge Thanks for all the advice. I'm trying my other broodie, but shes not having it. She wanted to brood on her chosen eggs, in her chosen place and was having none of this eglu and foreign egg business! She has been with the eggs since yesterday afternoon and even wen shut in the eglu, defiantly sits NEXT to the clutch of eggs So, sadly, I have given up! Fingers crossed for a better success next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 So sorry to hear that Hen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted May 19, 2011 Share Posted May 19, 2011 Sorry to hear that Hen .........but so glad I'm not the only one with fussy bum chooks.........my Pekins refuse point blank to accept any egg which isn't bantam sized......Quails are too small & Marans are just the devils work Good luck next time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
