My hen doesn't like to set until there are like thirty eggs in her nest, which obviously she can't handle, so the other day we stuck a dozen fake eggs in there to trick her. I think it's working because she's starting to line the nest with feathers and spends more and more time at the nest. I suspect she'll start to set within the week.
My question regards the fake eggs. When and how do I remove them so she can focus on keeping the real eggs warm? I'm afraid if I do it too soon or wrong she'll get scared off permenantly and abandon the whole nest. How long should I give her before I take them? And how do I get to them without getting bit? She REALLY gets testy with anybody approaching while she's setting.
My question regards the fake eggs. When and how do I remove them so she can focus on keeping the real eggs warm? I'm afraid if I do it too soon or wrong she'll get scared off permenantly and abandon the whole nest. How long should I give her before I take them? And how do I get to them without getting bit? She REALLY gets testy with anybody approaching while she's setting.
