Advice on hatchin needed

[amzevans]

Hi I think my previous post went in wrong place. I am new to hatching eggs and have 6 due to hatch under my broody hen today. I checked on her this morning and half a shell was next to her and can hear chirping. I wanted to check how I will know when they've all hatched? Will she turf all of the empty shell out from under her? I haven't seen an actual chick yet but assume its snuggles up under her. I don't want to harm them by disturbing her too much. If I pic her up to look when I shut the coop tonight will I ruin everything? Very nervous as want them to hatch and be safe so badly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated x

 

[sumi]

Rather don't bother her while the chicks are busy hatching. I know it's hard! Depending how tame they are, most broodies will only complain if you lift them up to take a look. But it's better to leave her and let them get on with the hatching and not disturb her too much now. You can offer her some water at some point and maybe a little food to keep her going tomorrow. She will get up in 2-3 days' time with the chicks. Broodies know when it's time to get off the nest and take care of the chicks. Hopefully all her egg will have hatched by then.

 

[sourland]

Okay, now, relax. I would recommend leaving her alone for at least 24 hours - she instinctively knows what to do. If you disturb her she may inadvertently step on or break an egg. If all the eggs were set at the same time, they should hatch within 24 hours. Some hens will toss out hatched egg shells and others don't bother 'cleaning house'. Congratulations and best wishes for a completely successful hatch.

 

[amzevans]

Thank you I've not tried lifting her so won't do now. Have opened door occasionally just to check but am trying to keep busy. It's driving me insane. X

 

[amzevans]

  Okay, now, relax.  I would recommend leaving her alone for at least 24 hours - she instinctively knows what to do.  If you disturb her she may inadvertently step on or break an egg.  If all the eggs were set at the same time, they should hatch within 24 hours.  Some hens will toss out hatched egg shells and others don't bother 'cleaning house'.  Congratulations and best wishes for a completely successful hatch.

I just read another thread on here saying a first time broody killed the chicks as they hatch :-( my hen won't do this will she? X

 

[sumi]

I've had many hens hatch chicks and I only had one case where the new chicks got killed either by mom or the rest of the flock before I got to them, though I suspect mom was the culprit. It's possible, but not very likely. If you are worried, as I suspect you are, keep an eye on her for awhile and see how she behaves around the chicks, if she calls them for food etc. But I'll bet she'll be a good mom

 

[amzevans]

I've had many hens hatch chicks and I only had one case where the new chicks got killed either by mom or the rest of the flock before I got to them, though I suspect mom was the culprit. It's possible, but not very likely. If you are worried, as I suspect you are, keep an eye on her for awhile and see how she behaves around the chicks, if she calls them for food etc. But I'll bet she'll be a good mom

Thank you. I am really worried but only because I'm new to it all and so badly want it to be a success. My little boy has know about it from the start and is very excited so don't want him to be dissapointed if something goes wrong. Plus roxy has been so dedicated to laying on them x

 

[sumi]

I hope it will all go very well for you and your son

It's such a lovely experience to share with children.

 

[amzevans]

I hope it will all go very well for you and your son   It's such a lovely experience to share with children. 

Thank you I've seen two chicks now. Hopefully the others will have all hatched when I check on her in the morning. Will have quick peep when the other 2 go to bed but feelin but more relaxed now I've seen them x

 

[amzevans]

Not sure if picture will work but here goes