Chicks just hatched

[Allietag]

My son discovered last night...when he say a teeny, tiny head, that the eggs had hatched. I "risked" my fingers this morning to take a peek. Aren't they the cutest? Here's my question... there are several unhatched eggs left. I candled one the other night and know that it wasn't fertile. How long will she stay on the nest and when do I "encourage" it? She is in a nesting box off of the ground and I have to decide soon if I am going to move her to the maternity ward or let her take care of business. My concern is my dog. Anyway, I wondered about the unhatched eggs.

 

[iwiw60]

I would wait another 3-4 days. Your broody will sometimes scoot the bad eggs out from under her now that some have hatched. I'm assuming from your post that she's "outside" ?? If so you should probably move her to the maternity ward for safety.

 

[Allietag]

Good thing I waited there are three hatched, although one had a tummy tear coming out of the egg. There are two more with pippings. Surprise though - another hen hatched 13 chicks!! She was bringing them out and the beagle (whose dogbox she took over) was on high alert...he LOVES babies... She waited patiently for me to put all the babies in my t-shirt and tuck her under my arm and make the transfer to the nursery.

 

[iwiw60]

Wow, you've got a bunch of babies!! How great! Pics, please!!

 

[Allietag]

 

[iwiw60]

Aaawww...look at those little fuzzy-butts!!! How adorable is THAT?!!!!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Allietag]

Next question... I went to remove the 5 unhatched eggs...which had been unattended since 8:30 this morning. When I disposed of the eggs I found one with a still live, cold chick in it. Of course, the shell cracked and the top part popped off. What would you have done with this chick? I was scared to death to remove anymore shell as I have seen the tissue tears that occur. I stuck that poor baby under the other hen and hoped for the best.

 

[sssharon]

Well, I hope it turned out okay!

 

[GOLDENSEABRIGHT]

I would wait another 3-4 days. Your broody will sometimes scoot the bad eggs out from under her now that some have hatched. I'm assuming from your post that she's "outside" ?? If so you should probably move her to the maternity ward for safety.

I totally agree

 

[chynasparks]

My Orpington hatched 4 chicks. I don't have a nursery but I moved the other 3 chickens to the whoop coop. Letting momma take care of them herself in the main coop. I moved her nest and all to the ground level because the upper roost became ant invested. Wouldn't you know it a big rain storm came. Momma is caring for the babies but she got a little wet. I can't move her back up until I can clean up the roost. I put something ant block granuals in there. Once the ants are gone I have to deep clean before letting them back up there. I wasn't expecting an infestation right when babies were coming. Then a storm. I hope these babies are hardy! They look good, shiny dry eyes plush downy feathers. They are about 24hours old.