[RigsVilleBird]

Hi i have a trio of dutch partridge bantam hens.  I noticed charlie (the cockerel) getting fruity with one of his girls about 7 days ago . she has laid a egg today but isnt sitting on it.  she has made a nest to i saw her moving straw about.  The egg is in the nest but she isnt sitting on it, this is my first experience of this,    will she lay a clutch of eggs and then sit on them altogether?  or is she just not interested? I have left her egg where it is in the coop, what is the best thing to do?  Am worried in case i do the wrong thing  . I want to leave her to do her own thing rather than hatch the egss myself.  Is it the right time of year for them to be doing this?  sorry for the spanish inquisition but just want to give the best care i can for my birds.  Any advice much apprieciated.x  

[joyfull]

I take it you want her to hatch them, sadly if she doesn't want to go broody there isn't any way of forcing her. You can try leaving the eggs to encourage broodiness but it isn't always successfull. How old is she? Really you shouldn't hatch from eggs that are laid in the hens first year for best results you need an older hen  

[RigsVilleBird]

I am unsure of their ages I bought them from the National Poultry show in Stonleigh last November.  There were no ages listed.  I think i will leave the egg there a few days and see what happens next.  I know this is a daft question but are the eggs safe to eat if they have been fertilised?    or should i dispose of them?  many thanks.x

[joyfull]

they are fine to eat 

[RigsVilleBird]

Many thanks for all your help. I must admit i do feel a bit of a daft tart! 
This henkeeping lark is fantastic and brings a huge smile to my face.  Its so
much better than watching T.V.!!!! 

[bantam novice]

Welcome to the wacky world of henaholics! 

[pekinpete]

rigsvillebird,if you want your bird to sit try putting in a couple of golf balls in nest you can then take away eggs as laid,it works on my pekin but they like to go broody,don't know if it will work on dutch.