Can anyone HELP ME!!

[callahanfarmgirl]

I was out of town the whole month of May & left my DH to care for my hens. He did fine in feeding/watering them but neglected to gather eggs in a timely manner, which I believe encouraged 2 of my 7 hens to go broody. He realized the first one was broody & I was able to talk him thru moving & confining her with no problems. But it wasn't till I got home June 1st that we realized I had a 2nd broody that was layed up in everyones "favorite nesting box". She had 9 eggs under her & I automatically knew the eggs could have been layed up to a week apart because I know some of my hens are able to kick others out of the "favorite nest" to lay their eggs.
On Thurs. I went into the coop to give her water & feed & heard chirping. I thought I had another 7 to 12 days to hatch. I moved her, chicks, & eggs to my DH a/c workshop. She was still laying on the 6 eggs till someone let our bloodhound into workshop & really got her upset. I went into to check on her afterwards & she was up, protecting her 3 chicks & eggs were moved all around. Eggs were at room temp & she didn't seem to be going back on them so I candled them, put them in the incubator. When I candled them they seem to be between 16 to 18 days according to pics I have seen. But my BIG question is " How to tell if the chicks are still alive"??
I think I saw movement in 1 egg. Because I don't have an excact hatch date I am afraid I am wasting my time.

 

[msmechanic58]

I was told to leave them under her until she decides she is done with them.

 

[cva34]

I think that's what I would do.Let nature take its course.It sounds kinda complex Mother Nature can figger it out and do whats best..cva34

 

[phoenix912]

That's up to you. If it was me scence they are already in the incubator I would go ahead and keep them in it for a few days. They may or may not hatch. Its only a few day's.