[wildwitchy]

I'm hoping margo my buff orpington has gone broody. It will be her first time as a mom. She is sitting on a clutch of eggs (they will be mixed but I don't mind) like a good mother hen & not moving off the nest for love nor money. Giving me a good peck when I try to get the other eggs.



She started today but I may have to move her to her own residence as the other girls lay there too & I've got to clean out the house. That will be a game I suppose.

I hope the eggs are fertile. My new cockerel has been busy with the ladies so fingers crossed we will have some chicks shortly.

When should I start checking/candling for chicks, or could someone direct me in the right direction please. This is new to me.


Thankyou. x

[Vember]

Hi WW

Best time to candle hen's eggs is around the 6th/7th day depending on the egg shell colour it could be tricky before then

My Orps did a fantastic job last year at being Mummies This year I have managed to get one to adopt some 2 week old chicks  

21 days and counting Margo, All the best for a good hatch

Sarah

[wildwitchy]

Thankyou sarah. That is very helpful. I'm searching the forum before i ask q's. Yes I CAN confirm margo is definatly feeling very mumsie! Arr bless her. 

I had to get her off the nest just a while ago as I hadn't seen her for some food & ablutions.  She was there all content. The other girls are laying either next to her or just up a bit. I've marked margo's baby's so no one tries to sell them. 

She was in a bit of daze but came round when she saw the drink & food. Like me really.

It was funny to watch her because as soon as she'd done, it was as if she realised she'd got some eggs to sit on and went looking for them & cried out to them.

She went back as good as gold & is now doing her bit. Now I know she's broody, I want to hatch out some gold laced orpingtons from a lady on ebay that sells them. Is it ok to add fertile eggs a little bit after the originals or leave it? Sorry for the questions. x

Sharon. 

[Vember]

I'd leave her be with the ones she's got tbh
If your getting extra's from ebay then they aren't going to arrive for a day or two which would mean they'll be behind the others. Mum mightn't stay sitting once the others hatch, So you could loose the Gold laced Orps just before they hatch



Sarah

[wildwitchy]

Hmm, I thought that afterwards but theres a bit of an update! I went to clean them in between rain  & her sister has gone broody aswell. So I've got the two of them in the box. I don't know if barbara would hatch out the other eggs?

Barbara was having a right turn 

[mumofstig]

Ahh bless

[wildwitchy]

Yes lesley, they look gorgeous in there. They are inseperable so I'm not surprised! Margo was very patient while I cleaned the house out but soon in there afterwards! I did laugh.