Chicks hatching today! Six so far!

[deborah]

Our Mama hen is a mama again! She's been sitting on 8 eggs. Today is day 21. A few starting piping last night and we had 1 when we woke up. So far, 5 more for a total of 6 hatched.

Here's Mama with one of the chicks peaking out from under her.

There are 2 remaining eggs. One has pipped and we are being patient. I'm wondering if the last one is a dud. No pips, no sound. We tried to candle it. There is a air pocket at one end and there seems to be a smaller air pocket at the bottom. Does that sound fertile? How long should we give it?

It's so exciting. Mama raised a batch last year. I love watching them follow her around while she teaches them.

 

[mahalo4]

that is so cool i have some cochins/light brahmas/buff o's that i hope go broody so i dont have to incubate.congrats

 

[ranchhand]

What a cute pic! Congrats to the Mamma!

 

[morninggloryhatchery]

Congrats!

 

[deborah]

Thank you everyone. We are very excited. And feel so blessed to have a hen that has gone broody twice.

There are 7 chicks now. Here are a few with Mama; the rest are under her:

It's not looking good for the last egg. No pips, No noise. But overall we are SO pleased with the hatch. We learned a lot of last year. NEVER leave the mother hen in a regular nest box. NEVER help chicks hatch.

Now my hope is we have more hens than roosters.