Do we let the hens take care of everything?

[ChickenThunderdome]

We're about to cull our rooster because he has drawn blood on me twice now inside and outside the run. But he's a houdan and we'd like some more houdans, because of that I plan on saving some of the eggs(which are hopefully fertilized) and allowing a broody to camp on them.

1. Can I pull an egg out and candle it to see if it's indeed fertilized or will this harm the growing process by changing its position?
2. Do we let the hens do the work? Our coops are a good 2-3 feet off the ground. Do we include a small waterer and feeder? Is a heater required or will the momma hen provide all the warmth they need?

I guess to sum it up.. Do we do anything different than we are currently doing and just let the hens take care of the babies?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I candle a lot and never had any problems with eggs hatching. If your hen has been on the nest 5 days or longer then you should see some veining some wait 7 days before confirming. I usually give my mamas and chicks 3 days or more separated from the rest of the flock but where everyone can see each other. I do put food and water close by as for anything else I let mama take care of the rest she’ll keep them warm and teach them all they need to know all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.