Broody hen and a staggered hatch ??

[mariasmarans]

I have a broody hen that has been setting some eggs for at least 21 days for the first few eggs. I added some eggs a few days(4) after the first few,for a total of 12 eggs.Yesterday 2 chicks hatched and there seems to be 10 eggs still unhatched or not going to hatch. How long should I wait to take them out. They are all Marans eggs and are difficult to candle.The ones that have not hatched do not appear to be rotting at this point. Thanks for anyones input !!! Maria

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi Maria! What *I* would do is take the first chicks that hatched and hold them in a brooder while the other/later set eggs have a chance to hatch. After it is past 21 days for the later set eggs, and they've either hatched or not --- you can either give the first chicks back to the hen OR hand-raise them.
If you leave the chicks with the hen, she may walk off the nest when the first hatched chicks start making 'hungry peep noises'.
Good luck!

Lisa