First time with a broody- hatch day is here-not sure what to do?!!??

Hi folks, One of my EE girls decided to sit a clutch this past month and hatch day is here. I candled at 10 days and everything seemed okay- I did toss three eggs that were obviously not fertile. Anyway, she's been sitting on 12 eggs. Yesterday was the 1st day she didn't come off the nest to eat/drink/dust, we're right at 20/21 days. I've got her in a big dog kennel (she's in her nest box inside of it) and there's a chick waterer and all that jazz with her. I've done my best to find out all the info I could so I'd be prepared for hatch day, and I know that Miss Ida (the hen) knows more about what she is doing than me, but I'm really nervous!

I'm trying to not be too nosey and keep her in a quiet dim place, but I'm worried that I don't hear any peeping and she still seems to be laying down on the eggs? Is this normal? How can the chicks break out if she is on top of them? Should I hear peeping? Should I stick a hand under her to check things out?

I know this is silly. But I am a complete beginner when it comes to hatching! I appreciate your advice. Thanks for taking the time to read my post! I hope I have good news to report later!

Checked a few minutes ago and *think* I heard some quiet pipping going on....Momma bird won't let me near her without tearing into my hand, so I'm taking that as a good sign....she's been much more docile in days previous, only growling and puffing up if I touched her or the nest.

So.....I guess we'll see.

Don't worry! Hens hatch chicks in nature and they are designed for this. The chicks will not have a problem hatching under her.
My broodies usually don't get up when it's hatching time. They know what's going on under them and they know the babies are coming. I read somewhere that they can hear the chicks in the eggs and the chicks can hear mom and each other and communicate with each other.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you sumi! It's always nice to have a voice of experience let you know everything is a-ok!

Ok, another silly question.....when will the chicks come out from under mom?

Yes, probably not on the day they are hatched, unless they are very curious, but they'll start coming out and having a look around after a bit. Mom will get up with them after a day or 2. Depending how the hatch goes.

My broody is currently hatching today. Right now we have 4. My hen is super docile and lets me move her to look without even thinking of pecking me. Anyway, I didn't want to disturb her too much and at day 21, nothing. Thought I heard some peeping, but I looked and nothing. Today is day 23 and saw 3 fluffy butts and one that just hatched. They have been doing this for ages and know how to do it! Sit on your hands if need be!!! Good luck!

Oh it's SOOO hard not to look!!! But I guess Ida is taking care of that for me since she isn't too keen on my hand coming near her. As of about 30 minutes ago I could definetly hear some consistant chipping and pecking sounds! I think when I hear some actual peeps I'll feel better.

I am so excited! I don't know how people do this with an incubator. I would be watching it constantly! lol It's taking a lot for me to not just go out and sit with Ida!

Hearing peeping is really hard! I can't hear a thing until I lift my hen's wing!

peepmommy said:

Hearing peeping is really hard! I can't hear a thing until I lift my hen's wing!

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Oh good! I have been reading that some people can hear peeps coming from the eggs before they even pip. I don't feel so bad now.