Can I pick the egg's up???

[DylHayd]

My broody hen is on day 18/19 of sitting. If I catch her off of them over the next couple days, can I pick them up to listen for peeps? I read somewhere that they shouldn't be turned or disturbed after day 18.

 

[ChickLover98]

Correct! DO NOT MOVE THEM AFTER DAY 18!!! The chick is postitoning itself for hatching! I d leave em alone!

BTW

 

[Judy]

Sometimes you can hear the peeps even while they are under her. But I agree, let her do her thing. It's probably a bit soon anyhow.

Did you know it can take them a few hours to hatch? I've watched them hatch more than once, just checking often.

 

[DylHayd]

This momma rarely gets off of them...or she is doing it when I don't see it. I only work 2 days a week, so Im home most of the time..and I only see her off of them about every other day or more. Yesterday I tried putting them up to my hear to hear peeps, but didn't hear anything. I just pray atleast one hatches.

 

[Judy]

It should be too early to hear anything.

I have actually heard peeping coming from under the hen. I thought there were chicks there, so I picked her up a little, and they were all still in the shell, so of course I put her right back down. There may have been a pip or crack but I was afraid to hold her up any longer to find out. This was on day 20.

 

[DylHayd]

I can't believe people even touch the momma's.... my hen seems like she would peck my eye balls out if I messed with her!