[TashaH]

Hi, following on from Geo's post, my hen is still tending the last 3 eggs, and it is now day 28. Her 1 chick is now 8 days old, and I am guessing the last 3 are duds now.

Mother hen is very protective still of the eggs, but I don't want them sitting there forever. Do I remove them? or wait for her to deal with them still in some way?

Many thanks

[New shoot]

I would get a decent pair of gloves on and take the eggs away, despite any protests from your broody.  The chick needs to get out and about now 

[Geo]

I would take the eggs away now and let her rear her chick. I think you will find the eggs will be full of liquid when shaken. I feel I have put the hen through a lot of work for 1 chick.

[Beekissed]

Remove them and let her get on with the mothering of her chick.  I'd not do any shaking or rough handling of the dud eggs...they could be rotten and can explode in your hand easily if that is the case.  That is NOT a smell you want on anything you own and you'll never forget that smell as long as you live.   

[TashaH]

Thanks all,

She had been off them teaching the chick to scratch and bath etc, but always went back.They are now removed and both mum and chick are doing great