I have been given a breeding pair today(in quarantine) and they had 2 eggs with them. The hen was in the box when I got them but since then she hasnt been in there. What is the best thing for me to do? she has been off for quite a while now. Should I foster the 2 eggs into my other hens nest who has 1 egg at the moment( second clutch but first was infertile) or leave her and hope she will go back on them. Has egg bum and known to lay at least 6 to seven eggs a clutch, or is there a way I can incubate them myself?

Edited October 12, 200816 yr by molly

It is the WORST idea to move any birds in the midst of breeding, incubation or raising chicks. I am not surprised this has happened. Throw the old eggs out and maybe she will begin again. Having been off the eggs they will be no good. Or chance it and cross your fingers she gets back in for the night.

Moving is stress conditions as is breeding. Not a good time to be moving breeding birds about.

I agree with Kaz. I'd ditch the current eggs... but I'd also remove the nest box and NOT continue to breed them. If they were mine, I'd let them settle in first then begin breeding them after that. Stress from moving and breeding is a bad combination. Good luck with what ever you choose to do.

Thanks, I have removed the eggs now and will let them settle in. I am sad that the person could no longer look after these birds at such a critical time and I could do nothing to save these eggs.

Thanks, I have removed the eggs now and will let them settle in. I am sad that the person could no longer look after these birds at such a critical time and I could do nothing to save these eggs.

 

It is a pity... If they are a good pair, I'm sure they'll breed for you in time. Good luck with them

Congratulations on the rescue by the way :rofl: