broody

[alucard]

Hi guys my asil hen laid 8 eggs about 19 days ago yesterday night I found a chick under her this means the chick hatched on 18th day which is kind of strange isnt I am worried for the rest of the eggs will they hatch also my hen used to come out daily for food and water but for the last three days she is not getting up she is healthy and growls when touched so I put some water and game bird feed near her but she seemed to have no interest in it guys she is only focused on her eggs what should I do should I force her out of her nest to eat or what and I have also heard that the last week of hatch is very critical and a broody should never be disturbed during this period i am so worried for her as well as for the eggs any suggestions guys as far as the other chick is concerned he is in perfect health.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Just leave her alone, she should be fine... the chick is fine for a couple days if she doesn't take it out for food and water... she is sitting tight and growling cuz she's trying to finish hatching her eggs and this can take a couple days... a few days of her not eating won't hurt her, so try not to worry... be proud! She didn't abandon her eggs when the first hatched, that is good signs of a great broody mama!!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Oh, and 21 days is just an average... chicks hatch best under a broody, and you did say it was healthy so there is proof!

 

[alucard]

Thanks for the kind reply but is it normal for a chick to hatch on day 18 in this cold season he can't stand up

 

[Ravynscroft]

And one last thing, change her food to chick starter as the chicks need it and shouldn't eat adult feed, she will be fine eating the starter with them... hope this helps!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Anywhere from 18 to 24 days is normal... if it isn't still attached to the shell, then it is fine... broody's don't have as many issues as we would incubating eggs... they either hatch or not as is nature's way...

 

[alucard]

Day 21 no chicks yet I can't understand why one out of eight hatched on 18 and non after