Emergency....help!!!!!

[amcconnell]

Chicks started hatching under broody this morning. I haven't bothered her until now, so I just checked a few minutes ago and found 1 half way out of the egg but dead. Not sure if she killed it or it is smothered under her or what. What should I do. Do I need to check the others under her and see the progress and how do I know if she is freaked out by the chicks under her????? What do I do?????

 

[Keltara]

Chicks started hatching under broody this morning. I haven't bothered her until now, so I just checked a few minutes ago and found 1 half way out of the egg but dead. Not sure if she killed it or it is smothered under her or what. What should I do. Do I need to check the others under her and see the progress and how do I know if she is freaked out by the chicks under her????? What do I do?????

If it were me, I'd be keeping a very close eye on her. Check on the eggs often and if it happens again, then you'll know that she's doing it. How many are there? I'm so sorry this is happening to you.

 

[amcconnell]

There were 9 eggs. Including the dead chick 7 of 9 have completely hatched and 2 are in the process of cutting the egg. Since the others are ok I think momma hen is not to blame. When I found the dead chick half way out of the egg it was situated kind of in front of her breast mashed into the nest so I'm thinking it was just an accidental death due to being smashed. Thank you for your concern.

 

[Keltara]

Great! Sounds like things are going much better now. Praise God!!

 

[cwalsh2]

i have hatched thousands of chicks under broodies,It is best to leave her alone, till she is ready to move chicks off the nest. The chicks under her will not freak her out, but someone bothering her could cause her to accidently put a foot on one coming out of the egg. They instinctively know how to hatch chicks if just left alone.

 

[amcconnell]

Yeah....I'm leaving them alone till morning and by then all should have hatched. I'll keep you all posted....thanks again for all the advise and concern....it is very helpful.

 

[amcconnell]

Yes...I do thank God....I have prayed over these little chicks and so excited to have them hatch.

 

[Keltara]

Yes...I do thank God....I have prayed over these little chicks and so excited to have them hatch.

I'm very happy for you!!