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Do hens sit on other hens eggs?

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Do hens sit on other hens eggs?

Mon 15-Feb-10
10:06 pm

Grazychef

2nd Grader

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Sat 19-Dec-09

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OK people another quick question for you.

Do hens sit on other hens eggs?

We have four hybrid hens only one is laying at the moment, one has been treated by antibiotics and the vet

recommends egg withdrawal for 28 days.

However we do not think this hen is the one that's laying as she is much smaller and her comb is short and a pale red colour.

The other three are all a nice size with bright red combs. In the morning when we open the coop and take a look in the nesting box there is an egg, but all the hens are on the perch.

This morning my wife went to the coop opened the door to find Tallulah the large sliver/grey hen sitting in the nesting box, she got to her feet and my wife noticed the egg under her , the egg was lovely and warm still.

So one would think that she lay-ed the egg unless they sit on our hens eggs? If this is not the case then this egg is for eating and not throwing.

So what do you think?

Mon 15-Feb-10
10:46 pm

danast

Argyll, Scotland

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Thu 24-Sep-09

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I do hope this helps. I am no expert and can only tell you what my hens get up to.

I do know that my hens if they get broody will try to steal the nesting box from a sitting hen. So yes hens will sit on other eggs. Also they will drag eggs from a nearby nest if there are two broody hens. I have marked eggs so I know this to be true. I'm not sure if your hens will be broody yet though. It is very early in the year.

Don't know if this answers your question. Unless you see the hen going to an empty nestbox and laying an egg, can you really be sure you can eat it? The 28 days will pass quickly enough. Having said that I would be as impatient as you must be to taste one of your eggs.

Old teachers never die, they just lose their class

Sat 20-Feb-10
12:10 pm

Grazychef

2nd Grader

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Sat 19-Dec-09

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Thank you danast,

We have had another hen start laying this week, slightly lighter colour egg which is great!

Next weekend is the date to start eating our own eggs can't wait.

My son love going to the coop and collecting the eggs so he wants to be the first to try!

However setting the eggs a side they are lovely to have and are very funny to watch and have made great pets, we are very happy to have made the choice to keep hens.

Our neighbours have commented have lovely it is to hear the chickens in the garden and are looking forward to any eggs that might come there way.

Regards...

Thu 4-Mar-10
12:35 pm