Blue, Black, Splash Orpingtons- oh my!

[baymule]

What cuties! And Orps! Blue, black and splash! You have a colorful bouquet of chicks!

 

[catjac1975]

Maybe we still have chicks!

 

[HotPepperQueen]

Maybe we still have chicks!

When is your estimated hatch date? I'm curious to see what happens!

 

[catjac1975]

I think another week-I have to check the calendar. We had a successful incubator hatch with 12 Lavender Orpingtons out of 24. That is a good hatch for that breed.

 

[catjac1975]

Thursday is the due date. Do they take longer because Momma takes a breather now and then?

 

[canesisters]

HPQ those are SOOO CUTE!!!
A good broody is worth her weight in gold!

 

[Smart Red]

Should always be 21 days from the first day of brooding. Occasionally there are eggs that are laid in the clutch after that day. Those will hatch later if allowed to stay, but mom may well abandon the nest with her chicks before that time. The mom's 'breather' is built into proper care of the developing eggs.

I have always marked the eggs in the clutch to be sure I can find and remove any late comers.

 

[thistlebloom]

Those are sweet HPQ, Black Australorps are one of my favorites, and she looks like a good mommy.

I currently have 6 broodies, out of 14 hens.
2 of those are banties and one of those is my special pet, so I ignore them and let them set.
The other 4 are going on their second or third broody session this summer and aren't responding to my breaking efforts.

It wouldn't be too tragic if I actually had fertile eggs (I think my bantam Cochin rooster is a tad short) or room for more chickens, but I don't and I don't.

 

[HotPepperQueen]

I have had chickens for about 3 years and this is my first summer with broodies! I have had 3 so far- I only let 2 hatch any eggs. I have 24 hens.