First time with a broody- hatch day is here-not sure what to do?!!??

[chickenarmy]

Oh the suspense! I hate waiting too!
Good Luck!
P.S.

 

[chickenreferee]

Oh the suspense! I hate waiting too!
Good Luck!
P.S.

Thanks for the welcome chickenarmy. I love your screen name!

Ida was with my standard black cochin roo and a naked neck roo may have gotten to her as well....I think I am going to burst wondering what will pop out of those eggs! Ida is bearded and muffed.....I'm giving myself a crash course in chicken genetics!

 

[peepmommy]

Good luck with the genetic thing... There is a forum on here just on genetics and , boy, they know their stuff!!!!

 

[chickenreferee]

Kind of bummed this morning. I guess what I *thought* I heard yesterday as chipping and pipping was only my imagination. I stuck my hand under Ida this morning just to check things out and there are definitely not any hatched chicks and it doesn't feel like there are any cracks or pip holes in the eggs either. Today marks day 22 or 23 (I'm not sure of the exact date she started sitting.)

The last time she got off the nest for food/water was sometime Thursday. It hasn't been extremely hot or humid here, but I don't want her to become dehydrated or starve over eggs that aren't going to hatch. Should I take her off the nest and try to break the broodiness or wait? Nothing smells rotten or bad, but I'd rather an egg not explode either.

WHat a crummy way to start a Monday. I think I am going to have to order some chicks to make up for this. I so wanted Ida to be able to be a Momma. She is 3 years old and the only one of my hens who has been committed as a broody.

Should I assume that the eggs weren't fertile or that they just didn't develop for some reason? Is something wrong with my roo? Is there a chance they could still hatch this late?

 

[sumi]

Don't give up yet. Maybe they're just a bit late. It happens sometimes. I had a batch start hatching on day 22, went into day 23 and then on day 25 another egg hatched.

 

[peepmommy]

give it a few more days. in the mean time, look for some new day old chicks in your area (or online). Some place you can bring home a few chicks to put under her. I wouldn't do this until you are completely sure they aren't going to hatch, though. Patience, grasshopper!!

 

[chickenreferee]

I have been planning to order some cochin pullets anyway. If I go ahead and do it and they arrive on Friday, barring no hatchlings, would that be too late to put them under Ida?

Still hoping I'm wrong and at least one or two will hatch.....I'm not changing anything about her set up yet. We'll see what happens in the next few days I guess.

 

[Soap Junkie]

I am on my first broody hatch as well, and mine are due 06/10/12, I am so nervous and I am feeling your pain! I hope they start today for you!

 

[chickenreferee]

I am on my first broody hatch as well, and mine are due 06/10/12, I am so nervous and I am feeling your pain! I hope they start today for you!

Thanks Soap Junkie. I hope you have a good hatch...I know how the days seem to inch by when you're waiting!

 

[chickenreferee]

Is it normal for her to pant when the chicks are hatching? It isn't hot outside at all, in fact it's rather cool for June. She is in a large dog kennel in the storage with the door shut, but it doesn't feel like it's more than 70F in there either. I noticed she would pant on and off yesterday and is still doing it some today. She has fresh water and some food right next to her since she isn't getting off the nest. She hasn't pooped in several days though.

I though maybe if the chicks are hatching the extra body heat could be making her hot? If not, should I put a fan out there, (not blowing directly on her of course)? Do you think something is wrong? Should I take the eggs and put the in a bator to finish and then give them back to her once hatched? I would hate for something to happen to Ida- she's the only EE that survived the great raccoon attack of 2010.

As always, thanks again for everyone's help and advice!