How to tell if a chicken is broody and............

Cheri

How long can you leave an egg unattended before it goes bad.

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Proud Momma to 3 adult children (22, 20 and 19) 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 parakeets, 5 ducks, 24 chickens and 1 hubby.

Missi · Top Hen Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 25

Well, it's usually reeeally hot out, so I try and gather eggs several times a day. I won't keep any if I think they've been out there for more than a day. I don't know if it means they are bad, though. I generally take those eggs and boil them and give them to the hog.

As far as for hatching purposes...an egg can be up to a week old and still have a chance at hatching in and incubator, or under a broody. Obviously, the longer it sits unattended, the less chance it will hatch.

And, to determine if you have a broody...a hen will start setting somewhere, presumably the nest-but not always. She'll rarely leave the nest, even to eat or drink. She'll also pull out some of her breast feathers, so that the eggs can be in contact with her skin.
That said, I've never had a broody, so this is all from what I've read, not personal experience.

Cheri · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks Missi.

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Proud Momma to 3 adult children (22, 20 and 19) 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 parakeets, 5 ducks, 24 chickens and 1 hubby.