First time experience with egg hatching

[hawkie95]

One of my new spring hens I purchased at feed store end of March started to begin crowing after a few months. I now have one of the hens that was in his group laying on eggs. She chose to go in a small dog crate that was a favorite spot for the hens to lay eggs. If there is a fertile egg I think probably one which would be hers. Since this is all new to me I have questions. She only leaves nest every other day for a short time. My chickens are free to go in fenced in yard weather permitting. They sleep, lay eggs & have freedom in pole barn.
When I was reading about what to do read about chick having warmth of mom’s body heat to keep them warm. I never wanted a rooster so would just have my egg laying happy hens. Felt bad when found out he was a rooster as they were together since 2 days old. Do I need an incubator?

 

[IamRainey]

Give your hen a chance and see if she can brood it to hatching. If she's able to she'll be a proper Mama Hen and see that the other chickens leave her chick alone.

As for the roo, I "accidentally" got one too. I was also disappointed at first but he turned out to be flat out gorgeous. And then we got stuck with a quarantine for virulent Newcastle Disease, which is to say a $1000 fine per violation for moving any chickens or fertile eggs in or out. Even got a standing order I'd been waiting for for months cancelled by the hatchery. My roo turned out to be the only means I had for keeping my flock refreshed. In the end, I was grateful, indeed, to have him. AND I got to hatch my own eggs which is a pretty wonderful experience itself!

 

[hawkie95]

Give your hen a chance and see if she can brood it to hatching. If she's able to she'll be a proper Mama Hen and see that the other chickens leave her chick alone.

As for the roo, I "accidentally" got one too. I was also disappointed at first but he turned out to be flat out gorgeous. And then we got stuck with a quarantine for virulent Newcastle Disease, which is to say a $1000 fine per violation for moving any chickens or fertile eggs in or out. Even got a standing order I'd been waiting for for months cancelled by the hatchery. My roo turned out to be the only means I had for keeping my flock refreshed. In the end, I was grateful, indeed, to have him. AND I got to hatch my own eggs which is a pretty wonderful experience itself!

My roo is also beautiful. I am hoping my hen can hatch egg. She reminds me of a dedicated momma hen. Thank you. Not familiar with virulent Newcastle Disease.

 

[IamRainey]

Not familiar with virulent Newcastle Disease.

I hope you NEVER will be!

 

[hawkie95]

I hope you NEVER will be!

My hen hatched her egg yesterday! Exciting. Now I have to decide if I leave them in barn or move indoors. Do not think mom would be happy indoors as would miss freedom. Have read so much about it is a little mind boggling. Any suggestions.

 

[IamRainey]

Mom will sit with the chick until it's old enough not to need her. While they're on the nest the chick will be able to tuck under and keep as warm as he/she needs to be and will come out and explore just as much as possible.

Leave 'em alone. These guys know just how to be chickens.

 

[hawkie95]

Mom will sit with the chick until it's old enough not to need her. While they're on the nest the chick will be able to tuck under and keep as warm as he/she needs to be and will come out and explore just as much as possible.

Leave 'em alone. These guys know just how to be chickens.

Mom will sit with the chick until it's old enough not to need her. While they're on the nest the chick will be able to tuck under and keep as warm as he/she needs to be and will come out and explore just as much as possible.

Leave 'em alone. These guys know just how to be chickens.

Another chic appeared this morning. Being first time I have questions:
1) do I need to put their beaks in water to drink
2) all my chickens are in the barn together....last years group of 5 sleep in coop given to us by neighbor & I moved it into barn, others sleep on high roosting bars
3) now that mom hatched 2 eggs I keep door to cage secure as the rooster and other chickens come around to look. There is a larger one next to them and another underneath that.
It is starting to turn cooler so do I move chics indoors. Has been in 30’s early morning but barn has been ok since is closed up. Been 50’s, high 40’s during day. Possible snow end of week.
I appreciate your advice as I want to do what is best. She has more eggs under her but not all hers as that nest in cage favorite of most of the chickens. When she left nest a chicken would hop on to lay an egg.