First natural hatch advice...UK

Jun 16, 2025
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We have four hybrid chickens - all about 12 months old plus a two year old cockeral. Our light Sussex girl has been broody a few times so we decided to let her set this time.

We moved her to an old rabbit hutch where we could keep a better eye on her after about a week of sitting on eggs.and she's been sitting really well since on 11 eggs (not all of the eggs are hers).

Right on cue we've had our first hatches today - 1 looking lovely and healthy, one a bit later who I'm keeping an eye on when mom let's me as she's looking a bit wobbly and one that sadly started to hatch but didn't make it.

She's still sitting on eight eggs but there is no sign of any other activity. I want to check in case assistance is needed given how we lost the one, but don't want to stress her, or the two chicks.

It's really hot here today (24 degrees c) so I'm wondering whether there may be more activity when it cools down.

How long should I give it before removing the eggs? Should I remove them and check for movement over a lamp?

Any advice would be great. Thanks 😊
 
Should I take them one or two at a time so mom doesn't notice so much (but obviously will disturb her more) or take them all and just put any back that are viable?

Also - what am I looking for with the candling - just any movement at all?
 
Should I take them one or two at a time so mom doesn't notice so much (but obviously will disturb her more) or take them all and just put any back that are viable?

Also - what am I looking for with the candling - just any movement at all?
It's whatever you want, two or three at a time is fine.
You're looking for any voluntary movement, veins throbbing, the Embryo moving, many, healthy veins.
 

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