Egg has pip this morning and hen is gone

[starlene saylor]

Brooding Hen is gone and an egg has piped this morning. I don't have it incubator should I just leave it outside in the heat and put a hen on it tonight?

 

[Abriana]

What do you mean the hen is gone? Like a predator took her? You could put it under a heat lamp until it hatches, I don't think putting another hen on it is a good idea

 

[Joanmcm]

I've.put them under other broodies until mama wakes.up or returns. It helps keep them warm.

 

[bobbi-j]

By "the hen is gone", do you mean she left the nest for good? Went out for food and water and will be coming back soon? Generally a hen doesn't get off the nest when the chicks start hatching. Putting another hen on it at night will not work. If she's not broody, she's going to leave it in the morning, or possibly kill the chick if it hatches during the night. If the hen is coming back soon, just leave the egg.

 

[JaeG]

A pipping egg needs humidity as if the internal membrane dries out the chick will get shrink wrapped and suffocate. So it needs a heat lamp - even a desk lamp with an incandescent bulb, and humidity in the form of wet paper towels wrapped around some of the egg (not over the pip). You could even use a hot water bottle for heat, or turn on your electric blanket on your bed, but you need to keep it warm and toasty and damp.