Well, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. What with all the science and nifty incubating gadgets it seems kind of primitive to have a bird sit around on an egg. And they lay eggs all the time. They rarely are in the mood to sit on them, so I don’t even know if she would have.
And it’s been cold enough the last three weeks or so that I doubt one would have been viable anyway had she sat on it.
i guess you are right. she doesn’t necessarily feel they are her children, i guess. just something she produces that you guys collect.
Yes, if none are broody, I would have done it that way too. Easier on the hens. Now you can watch her teach them how to eat and gather them up under her each night to sleep. Those are fun parts.