Broody Bantam

[Jbird]

I set 4 fertilised eggs under my broody bantam 22 days ago. She took to them very well and has been very protective throughout. I have been told in the past that it takes 21 days and the babies will hatch. How long should I leave it before assuming the eggs are duds, and removing them from the nest? Or, should I let the chicken decide that for herself?
Thanks in advance

[Schutzengel]

Could by up to 25/26 days, although usually 21/22, a lot depends on the humidity.

[wildwood]

Yes, give her at least another 3 or 4 days. Sometimes the hen appears broody but hasn't pulled out some of the chest feathers yet, this is needed so that the eggs make direct contact with the bloodvessel-enriched bare brood patch.

To assist the hatching you can put the eggs in a bowl of warm (40�c) water. Any egg that sinks is no good. It should float at this stage and you will see it bobbing in the water now and then. Don't leave in the water for more than 30 seconds or as soon as you see one bobbing.

[Kleiber]

It can take a bit longer than 21 days. I normally agree with wildwood, but in this case, I wouldn't remove the eggs from her, it'll upset her and won't do the eggs much good either! Just leave her and let Nature take its course. I've sometimes had to leave eggs for about an extra week before they hatch - Schutz is right, it can depend a lot on the humidity. Let us know what happens, won't you? K xx

[Jbird]

Hello,

Just to let you know, I woke up this morning and found 4 of the most adorable little chicks - all hatched and happily tweeting away!!
Trouble now is that on closer inspection the coup is what I think full of mites. What should I do please?