BROODY!!!!

[the3ofus+oursixchicks]

My Wynodotte Charolett is sitting on eggs. First question is how many days do they set before its hatch time? Second question is its hot here in Alabama, if she doesn't get off the nest to eat and drink should I set her off for a few minutes? I did set her on the ground yesterday and she ate a lot but didn't drink. I have been taking my finger dipping it in water and putting it on her beak. Thanks

 

[the3ofus+oursixchicks]

Also,my nest boxes are separated but are side by side. They can see each other and all that. Should I fix her nest where she can feel alone and safe or leave it open like it is?

 

[JanO]

My Wynodotte Charolett is sitting on eggs. First question is how many days do they set before its hatch time? Second question is its hot here in Alabama, if she doesn't get off the nest to eat and drink should I set her off for a few minutes? I did set her on the ground yesterday and she ate a lot but didn't drink. I have been taking my finger dipping it in water and putting it on her beak. Thanks

If she's got viable eggs and everything works out well they will hatch in about 3 weeks. Normal incubation is 21 days give or take a day. Hens don't count days, so don't panic if it takes a little longer. Whatever you do, DO NOT take her off the nest. She will come off when she needs to eat or drink and there's a good chance that she'll do it when you're not looking. Hens are sneaky like that sometimes.

The bottom line is that hens know what they are doing and it's been my experience that as long as they don't have outside interference from us they do it well.

 

[nbenevento]

The same as in an incubator, it takes about 21 days from start of incubation to hatch. She should be getting off of her eggs once or twice a day to eat, drink and poop. If she is eating and not drinking, you could try putting water closer to her but it is unlikely she is not drinking at all. Maybe just not when you are looking?

 

[JanO]

Also,my nest boxes are separated but are side by side. They can see each other and all that. Should I fix her nest where she can feel alone and safe or leave it open like it is?

She may like the company, so unless there's a bully in the bunch trying to intimidate her or push her off the nest leave her where she is. If she didn't already feel safe she would have found another place to sit.