Broody Hen just hatched a chick!

[roxsam]

My broody had two eggs under her, the other hens kept laying in here nest so I had them marked. This morning I went to collect the other eggs from her and noticed broken eggshell! My first thought was "oh no, she got too hungry and ate an egg! ". Haha, I didn't think it had been long enough for a hatch but as I was carefully grabbing eggs I heard the peeps! So cute and exciting. Anyway, now I am not sure what to do.

The other chickens keep hanging around the coop now. Should I keep them away? Will the chick follow mama when she leaves to eat and drink? Will she help baby eat, too? I am leaving town this weekend, so chickens will be locked up in coop and run for 2 days...should I be worried about chick?? If the other egg under her was fertile, it should also hatch in the next few days, right? Amy tips and advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[AwallRooster]

It's almost certain that momma will protect the babies,shes went as far as siting for long days protecting her eggs

,so why would she give up now that they have hatched, I think you will be alright,jus leave some water,so the chicks can drink,they will come out the egg scratching for food,

just make sure the water is not deep enough to drown the chicks.