[ganner]

well this is the first time she has been on her own, looks cozie I will let her out tomorrow see how she is I thought she might play up on her own. thank you 

[ANHBUC]

Once they are broody they love just sitting on their eggs in a kind of trance.  She will be loving it.   

[scabs]

Don't worry Ganner, the hen knows what's what! 

Once separated into a brood box/rabbit hutch/whatever I can find that's suitable, I tend to just leave them to it, disturbing them only to put in fresh water and to top up food. I put the food on the other side of the... whatever I'm using, just to ensure she has to get up and stretch her legs. Works for me. 

Exciting though, isn't it? 

[ganner]

Yep it is... but I noticed a broken egg this morning is this natural?

[joyfull]

yes, if it had a weak shell then her getting up and down and also turning the egg can break them. Remove it straight away and clean up any mess to avoid the other eggs getting contaminated. use a dry cloth not wet.

[ganner]

Daft question should or could I add some more eggs?

[joyfull]

how long have the others been under her?

[ganner]

sorry Joyful 7 days now, I've noticed another broken egg can I clean the other eggs as they look very dirty?

[ANHBUC]

I think it will be a delicate time to try and clean the eggs ganner.  Maybe a gentle wipe with dry kitchen roll to take off the worse of it.  Hope someone with more experience gives you some advice soon.

[joyfull]

yes that is all you can do, just a wipe over.

[ganner]

Ill leave them, how easy is it to tell whether or not the eggs are any good ie got chicks in them

[ANHBUC]

There are instructions from Hillfooter for making a candler here http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=52422.45

and some candling pictures as a guide here
http://shilala.homestead.com/candling.html

this one is of the development stages which is really interesting, (must get out more)!! 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=73884.0