Day 22 and I’m worried about hatching

[MillietheHen]

So quick summary, it’s day 21 and I have 10 eggs under a broody ameraucana mix. My hen is a bit over 7 months and she’s hatching her own eggs. I know I know, not the best idea to hatch pullet eggs. Their smaller but they’ve been a consistent size. Anyway, I’m super nervous about them hatching! I don’t know if any have pipped. Is it ok if I just lift her up for a second to check on things? I wouldn’t completely take her off the nest just lift her up a bit so I can see. Will these eggs even hatch? The last time I candled them at the beginning of day 18 the chicks inside were moving and had filled up the egg nicely. I know there’s not much I can do but they’ve made it this far and I really want things to go well. I probably sound pretty dumb and stressed but this is my first time and I’m really hoping one will hatch. I appreciate any advice/encouragement!

 

[sourland]

Okay, calm down and relax. Mother hens have been doing this successfully forever. I would not bother her. Chances are that all will be fine. If you must, rather than lifting her up just gently slide a hand beneath her. Good luck for a successful hatch.

 

[MillietheHen]

Okay, calm down and relax. Mother hens have been doing this successfully forever. I would not bother her. Chances are that all will be fine. If you must, rather than lifting her up just gently slide a hand beneath her. Good luck for a successful hatch.

Ok. I’ll leave things be for now. I’ll just trust her and hope for success. Thank you! I really needed that reminder.

 

[CluckerFamily]

It is really tough to wait when you really want them to hatch. It is like Christmas day but worse because a countdown doesn't work. You may have chicks hatching still on day 25 if she will wait that long. She will know when time is up and no more will hatch.
I am very excited for you! I can't wait for you to update us on that first chirp you hear!

 

[Jabebee13]

I'm glad you got a broody around 7 month the old hen or pullet. Lol. She's doing great sitting on her nest. I'd pet her under the beak if she's friendly or will she ba gawk noisy to stay away. Every hen is different. I raised chickens before and only a few broody. I seen friendly And mean because they protect their nest by making noise. If I tried to move a hen they give up and walk away. Sometimes. Then I'm worried if they'll come back to the nest. Best to leave alone even if not noisy. Don't move the bird. No lifting. Like others say put a hand under the bird to check. I believe that's good. 4 years experience. My personal self I want an incubator I want to check the eggs weekly but that is just me. Day 18 to day 21... Hmm. Three days. Nah I wouldn't check. I would expect pipping. I'm focusing on her being a pullet still. She is grown up now.

 

[MillietheHen]

I'm glad you got a broody around 7 month the old hen or pullet. Lol. She's doing great sitting on her nest. I'd pet her under the beak if she's friendly or will she ba gawk noisy to stay away. Every hen is different. I raised chickens before and only a few broody. I seen friendly And mean because they protect their nest by making noise. If I tried to move a hen they give up and walk away. Sometimes. Then I'm worried if they'll come back to the nest. Best to leave alone even if not noisy. Don't move the bird. No lifting. Like others say put a hand under the bird to check. I believe that's good. 4 years experience. My personal self I want an incubator I want to check the eggs weekly but that is just me. Day 18 to day 21... Hmm. Three days. Nah I wouldn't check. I would expect pipping. I'm focusing on her being a pullet still. She is grown up now.

Ok. Thanks! I’ve decided not to mess with her. So far she’s done great so I’ll just continue to trust her. She’s friendly so she doesn’t get too upset about me touching her on the nest. But she is still protective and does tend to yell at me sometimes lol. I can’t think of any obvious problems so I’m hoping for a good hatch.

 

[MillietheHen]

It is really tough to wait when you really want them to hatch. It is like Christmas day but worse because a countdown doesn't work. You may have chicks hatching still on day 25 if she will wait that long. She will know when time is up and no more will hatch.
I am very excited for you! I can't wait for you to update us on that first chirp you hear!

I know right! I’m getting so excited and worried at the same time. I think once that first chick hatches I won’t be so anxious. So far everything seems fine so hopefully they’ll make it over this last hurdle. It’s just way too exciting!

 

[MillietheHen]

It is really tough to wait when you really want them to hatch. It is like Christmas day but worse because a countdown doesn't work. You may have chicks hatching still on day 25 if she will wait that long. She will know when time is up and no more will hatch.
I am very excited for you! I can't wait for you to update us on that first chirp you hear!

I just thought of a random question. So today my hen has been moving position on her nest. Not a ton but when I check on her she’ll have moved a little and usually she stays in the same spot. And she’s been looking under her occasionally. Could this mean anything?

 

[ackie]

I agree with leaving her. If they were good at 18 days, they should be good today! Keep in mind that the first 24 hours under the hen is day 0, not day 1, so you may actually be on day 20 and right on schedule. I'd only mess with her eggs if she leaves the nest with the hatched chicks and abandons the eggs that are left. Might wanna have an incubator up and running since you know they're pretty developed.

 

[MillietheHen]

I agree with leaving her. If they were good at 18 days, they should be good today! Keep in mind that the first 24 hours under the hen is day 0, not day 1, so you may actually be on day 20 and right on schedule. I'd only mess with her eggs if she leaves the nest with the hatched chicks and abandons the eggs that are left. Might wanna have an incubator up and running since you know they're pretty developed.

Ok thanks! I counted the first day as zero so today is definitely day 21. I made that mistake yesterday and was about to panic. I’ll leave her alone then. It’s really hard but i don’t think there’s any reason they shouldn’t hatch fine. I’m working on being patient and giving them time. It’s not very late into day 21 but I’m already getting so excited!