Broody hen quits sitting on eggs...that are now hatching...Help!

[Lilorp14]

Hello all,

I had 2 broody hens, then 1 broody hen, now 1 egg hatching and the hen has no interest in sitting on them. The chick has opened the side of the egg enough to breath and is quietly chirping. My daughter is breathing on it to keep it warm and moist. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Lilorp

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

So the broodies abandoned the nest?

I'm assuming you have no more broodies or a bator. Two things you can do, one is set up an incandescent light and a box and keep it warm in there. The other is use a heating pad and make a sort of nest from that. Breathing isn't going to help. Whichever of those you do, put in a little dish with a wet sponge in it to keep it more humid.

 

[Lilorp14]

Thanks so much I do have an incubator. We have managed to get her back on the nest and are checking her in 10 minute intervals. It has been cool here 67 F and 80% humidity. Much cooler then it had been. Do you think that's a problem?

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

Then put the egg in the bator if the hen(s) leave the nest. It should be ok.