Broody pooped on hatching chick plus chick in the nest need advice

[Bellasmom]

She's never done this before but pooped right on the last egg needing to hatch and on one of the chicks. When I moved the egg she went ballistic which is her right as a mama hen. Should I just let it be? I have had 2 hatch today, one has pecked his hole and one that's pooped on is moving towards hatching.

Thanks!

 

[Barrdwing]

Oorg, that's unfortunate. If an egg is very close to hatch, washing it is risky--too much stress and disorientation for the chick. I'd recommend removing what poo you can from the nest, and you could wipe the soiled eggs with a dry paper towel. I would try to keep handling of the eggs to a minimum. Hopefully the chicks will hatch before the contamination on the eggs becomes a problem!

 

[Bellasmom]

They are all hatched out now and seem to be doing well! Thanks! I ended up putting clean shavings up behind her and she cleaned everything up. Rolled the 2 eggs to the front of the nest and fixed herself over from the yucky stuff. As soon as things settle down I will clean the nest completely and put in new shavings.

 

[Barrdwing]

Hooray! That's wonderful news!