Help my momma isn't keeping her eggs warm

[wetzelbuilt]

On top of the stove?! That's probably going to be too warm. They need a temp of about 99*, which is just slightly warmer than human body temp. The other issue is humidity. Hatching eggs need a humid environment to successfully hatch. Too dry and the membranes will shrink wrap the chick, preventing it from being able to move enough to hatch.

The top of the stove never gets to hot to touch.

 

[junebuggena]

The top of the stove never gets to hot to touch.

Stick a chunk of wet sponge in the basket and cover with a damp cloth. Hopefully that will be enough.

 

[biophiliac]

Also we are in Ohio and its below freezing

Since they are so close - can you put them in a box with a thermometer and a small light bulb and a wet sponge and try to get a steady temp of 99 - 100?

I really hope you get some chicks!

 

[Elise Lefort]

Be sure to turn them & keep the temp at 99°

 

[MillersFarm]

Be sure to turn them & keep the temp at 99°

No, you don't need to turn them since they're at lock down.. I'd suggest putting them into a container with a heat lamp over it at about between 99° and 102° and a towel under the eggs to stop the from rolling all over the place. I'd also put a small cup or lid of water in there for humidity.

 

[sfgwife]

I have to admit this is our first broody hen so I have NO idea what to do

Can you put them beside the stove instead of on it? Beside our woodstove is crazy warm. And direct the kettle humidity if you have one somehow into the box? Maybe with some flexible tubing....

 

[Gramma Chick]

You could bring the hen and the eggs inside ..in a box .
Then you can see what she is doing .
Some 1st time mothers are not very good at it

 

[wetzelbuilt]

I'm proud to say we have had one of our eggs hatch

 

[wetzelbuilt]

When the chick pipped a hole this morning I placed a damp wash cloth in the basket and I hung a heat lamp over top