4 More Days!

[wbruder17]

My silkie is on day 19 of her brood with 4 Ameraucana eggs under her. I have not been able to candle them as they are green. I know they were fertile eggs, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all four to hatch. I CAN'T WAIT! I've been leaving her alone but just can't wait for this to happen! Some questions:

1. When do I need to remove the eggshells once they hatch?

2. How long should the chickies stay with momma before I return her to the flock? Its too cold for the babies to go outside right away.

Any other suggestions on a hen hatching eggs would be great. She is in my basement in a large, open cage. I have a heat lamp that I have put on her for about an hour or so, as its been pretty cold here lately.

3. Should I put her in a big square tupperware with a heat lamp once the chickies hatch to keep out drafts?

 

[Baralak]

My silkie is on day 19 of her brood with 4 Ameraucana eggs under her. I have not been able to candle them as they are green. I know they were fertile eggs, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all four to hatch. I CAN'T WAIT! I've been leaving her alone but just can't wait for this to happen! Some questions:

1. When do I need to remove the eggshells once they hatch?

No.. mama will eat them.. what she doesn't you can remove.

2. How long should the chickies stay with momma before I return her to the flock? Its too cold for the babies to go outside right away.
Depends on your flock.. She will protect them and keep them warm.. I would try letting her range with your flock but more than likely you can after a couple of days.

Any other suggestions on a hen hatching eggs would be great. She is in my basement in a large, open cage. I have a heat lamp that I have put on her for about an hour or so, as its been pretty cold here lately.

3. Should I put her in a big square tupperware with a heat lamp once the chickies hatch to keep out drafts?

Na.. She will keep the babies warm..

There is nothing better watching a mother hen with her brood..

 

[wbruder17]

Thank you! She has been a vicious protector the last few weeks. Never the sweetest hen, but hopefully she will become more endearing once the chickies are hatched. Its my first go around so I'm on pins and needles waiting.

 

[wbruder17]

Oh! One more quick question:

How will I know when they've hatched or if I need to remove any that haven't? Other than hearing peeps, of course, as I don t want to move her at any crucial time to look. What if none of them hatch?

 

[Baralak]

Well, you will hear them, and see them.. Believe it or not, they will explore in the cold.. but run back under mama to warm back up. And mama will get off the nest when she's ready..
That's the way Nature Rolls... lol