I snuck a peek at our broody's nest when she hopped off. She has 13 eggs and this her 7th day. I noticed however that most of the eggs are coated with yolk where some broken eggs had gotten smeared over the rest from the hen.

Knowing that bacteria can be a real culprit when it comes to hathcing, I'm wondering if there is any hope for these at all.

I can candle them I suppose, but then what - wash them? This almost seems as hazardous.

This is our first broody hen, so I'd like to encourage her if even this means supplying chicks in the near future.

Tx