[samuria]

my broody has been sitting on 4 eggs untill today...
they have now been swapped for 6 fertile ones (buff orpington's)...
can we eat the ones she was sitting on?
they were fresh and are 4 daYS OLD

[JaK]

I wouldn't risk it, they have been incubated so kept at a high temperature.

[samuria]

I wouldn't risk it, they have been incubated so kept at a high temperature.

i thought as much.. but was unsure  jak...
thanks for your advise maybe you could help on this.
i have'nt seen her eat or poo
even when i get her out of the nest she just sits on the floor.
i walk away and return in 10 mins to find her back on the nest food untouched

[JaK]

Some broody hens want chicks so much that they don't take care of themselves too well. It is normal for them to only want to come off the nest once a day, if they eat, drink and poop, once is fine.
Try getting her out and throwing her up in the air slightly (not high but so she has to flap her wings), this should get her really moving and in turn help her to poop, she should try and eat after that. You might have to do this with her once each day if she wont get up herself. Also ( if you're not already) feed her only mixed corn until hatch day, this will keep ticking over, help her to keep some weight on and lower the risk of her pooping in the nest area.
Good luck, she sounds like she will be a great Mum if she is sitting so tight. 

[ANHBUC]

There should be signs of her being off the nest (poo) so if she hasn't been yet I would lift her off.  Do it really gently sliding your hand under her to make sure no eggs are stuck to her bald chest.  It might take her a while to come out of the trace to feed and drink.  I usually dip my finger in water and rub it on their beak to encourage them.  Tapping your finger in the food also stimulates them to peck at it.  My broody is in a hutch so I can't throw her in the air so I put her at the far end of the run.  They do try to get back to the eggs but this usually wakes them up and they will then eat, drink and poo.  Clear the poo away so you will know if she has been off the nest herself, that way you don't need to disturb her more than necessary.

I have been feeding my broody a mix of chick crumb, growers pellets and mixed corn.  I have sprinkled grit in and she seems to be eating a bit of everything.  As JaK says they are so dedicated they neglect themselves so best to keep an eye on her.

They can be prone to getting lice or mites with sitting for so long as well.

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your Buff Orpington chicks.   

[samuria]

thanks all for the info...
took her off the nest a little while a go.. she
had a good peck at my hand
managed to lift her off the eggs.. while she was swearing at me
she let off a big fart and a very small poo.
then she had a small peck at the corn.
when she saw the water she was at it like a shot.
and was drinking for about 10mins or so it seemed.
then back to her nest

to me she did'nt eat much!!!! is this usual ??

[ANHBUC]

thanks all for the info...
took her off the nest a little while a go.. she
had a good peck at my hand
managed to lift her off the eggs.. while she was swearing at me
she let off a big fart and a very small poo.
then she had a small peck at the corn.
when she saw the water she was at it like a shot.
and was drinking for about 10mins or so it seemed.
then back to her nest

to me she did'nt eat much!!!! is this usual ??

   I find is has a bit of an odour of tcp which I hate.

They will just eat a bit but it is best to guide them to eat and drink more.  You might find that after a few days she does it of her own accord.  That is why it is best to remove the poo so you can tell if she has already had her feed.

My broody Dotty usually goes for a feed herself but this time she has been in such a trance even lifting her off the nest hasn't worked.  She doesn't seem to realise she is not on the eggs and will just sit there.