Disturbing Hen During Eggs Hatching

[MichelleBelle]

First time hatching eggs here. Have a young Barred Rock hen who has been doing an excellent job incubating her eggs so far. I have her separated from the rest of the flock in a rabbit hutch with a lid that can be raised up to peek inside to check progress. Is it ok to peek inside every few hours to see how things are progressing, or should I just leave her be? I saw one chick fluffy and hopping around early this morning, but I just checked again and I no longer see that chick, but when she shifted slightly I saw that the rest of the eggs are still incubating. I've heard horror stories about broody hens eating their newly hatched chicks, and I don't want to risk stressing her out for fear that something might happen. I'm so eager to see how many new cuties we have

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I peak all the time. A bad mom is a bad mom, and a good is a good no matter how much they are disturbed.

 

[MichelleBelle]

Thanks for your input! I went back out and raised the lid. She started "talking" to me with quiet little clucks then after a minute she got up off the nest and got a quick drink. The little fluff ball from this morning is alive and well, and seems so much stronger already than the hatchery chicks we've bought in the past. Pretty steady on its feet and pecked at a fly. I was able to see that 2 more eggs have pip holes in them I think this hen must be in the good mama category- she nudged her chick back into the nest when she came back and tucked the little cutie safely under her wing. This is so exciting

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm always happy when they are good moms. I got one hatching in about a week. It is cool watching them.