2 daft questions

[slave2hens]

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere but I can't find it!

The second question is related to the first, so...

One of my hens went broody just before bank holiday weekend, after two days it was clear she was serious, so on the Monday (25 May) I got six fertile eggs for her to sit on. She's totally committed, 24/7 so I have to move her out once a day for half an hour so she can eat/drink/bathe/dump then she goes back in.
Question one is.. I put the eggs under her on Monday 25th at about 3pm, so when will they start hatching (21 days from 25th so Sunday or from the following day, so the Monday?)

The next question is probably more important. If I’m having to lift her off the eggs daily so she eats/drinks etc, when should I stop – I understand 18 days the eggs and the hen probably won’t move, so I should probably stop lifting her off.

So do I stop lifting her off the eggs on Thursday this week, or on Friday?

She doesn’t have food or drink within reach of where she’s sitting (they’re a foot away but can be moved to her if necessary).

This chicken business is very complicated!

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[WalnutHill]

Monday set = Monday hatch.

And really, she should be able to manage tending to her personal needs without your help, but if she is a first time broody it can't hurt. Leave her alone at day 18 and see how she does.

 

[slave2hens]

Will do, thank you WalnutHill!