Broody Hen hiding chick under wing?

[DigitalEd]

Hey all,
It's day 22(ish) for my broody hen. We've been waiting eagerly and with a bit of concern due to the freezing cold to see how the eggs will turn out. The hen got up and walked around to eat and drink for a bit today and I could hear peeping from her but couldn't see any chick. I did see one shell that looked like a chick had hatched out of it (and two more in process still in the nest box).

Can a hen carry a newly hatched chick around under her wing (or somewhere else) so the chick can't be seen?

----- Ed

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Check her over well, sometimes the chicks can get stuck in the broody's feathers. Sometimes they can get strangled, or hurt wings. Other times they manage to get out on their own. It happens more in fluffier breeds like Cochins, Orpingtons and Silkies.