do hens know when eggs are soon to hatch

[econerd]

bit of an odd question I know, but do broody hens know when eggs are soon to hatch? I've got a broody on eggs which are due to hatch tomorrow and I've noticed this afternoon she's really attentive with pulling bits of straw around her, which she has been doing the whole time but she's doing it much more now. she had 6 eggs but I think only one has a chick in it, saw it move a week ago.

 

[sumi]

Yes, sometimes they "talk" to the unhatched chicks too. I once saw/heard one of my broody hens chatting away to her eggs, which hatched the next day. Good luck with your hatch and enjoy!

 

[econerd]

well the chick is still alive in the egg, just managed to candle it, no signs of hatching and I don't think its internally pipped yet. he/she is taking its time as should be any day now. yesterday was day 21 so fingers crossed

 

[econerd]

still no sign of hatching, its still alive, I can see it moving. 21 days is up

 

[bestponymilo]

I'd leave the egg alone at this point and just wait. Every time it cools down or loses humidity there's a greater chance it won't hatch. Good luck, hope you have a peep soon!

 

[econerd]

yeah, I am, just wanted to check it was still alive as hadn't candled since the week before. chook is defo more active and adgitated today.

 

[econerd]

so its day 23 and no sign of hatching. candled yesterday and it was moving., but dont thing it was internally pipped. do I help it or leave it?

 

[econerd]

oh, and I'm in the UK, so its naturally very humid, esspecialy as we've had a lot of rain, so the ground is saturated and now we've had 2 days of hot sun so its as muggy as hell now.

 

[bobbi-j]

I'm a hands-off-let-nature-take-its-course kind of person. The chick will hatch when it's ready, if it's strong enough to make it out of the egg on its own. When people help too soon, they can cause more harm than good. It's your choice, entirely, of course, but that's how I do things.

 

[econerd]

it just hatched all on its own, was just a late starter lol. only one so far but not expecting more. will post pics tomorrow as its still wet and hiding under mum. plus its 11:30 pm lol.