@BY Bob
Just checking in to see how the 2 expectant mothers are. I know last night was traumatizing cleaning up Lady F and her eggs. I now propose a less invasive check on your momma's. Sneak out to the nest box where the girls are at quietly. Stand just outside with the lid down and listen. I am sure you have noticed that while on the eggs unless they are growling and or shrieking at you or another hen they have been quiet. Can you hear the soft continuous clucking from one of the girls. My girls start talking to those chicks the moment they pip internally. They cluck more if they think they are not being watched. If something is happening you may also hear a chick peep. Now if you raised the lid the girls will growl and be silent. That growl also signals the chicks to be silent as well. If you hear the clucking or even a peep if you feel up to it you can do a quick check. Quickly lift the lid and gently lift up the girls. All you have to do is raise up their chest to catch a glimpse. This will not be breaking lockdown procedures as it would in a incubator. While hatching the hen is going to raise herself up for a few seconds here or there anyway to move the eggs or even remove eggshells. She may bite at you when you place your hand on her chest but she should not loose her mind with a gentle lift as you are not going to make her fully stand up or get off the eggs.
Just checking in to see how the 2 expectant mothers are. I know last night was traumatizing cleaning up Lady F and her eggs. I now propose a less invasive check on your momma's. Sneak out to the nest box where the girls are at quietly. Stand just outside with the lid down and listen. I am sure you have noticed that while on the eggs unless they are growling and or shrieking at you or another hen they have been quiet. Can you hear the soft continuous clucking from one of the girls. My girls start talking to those chicks the moment they pip internally. They cluck more if they think they are not being watched. If something is happening you may also hear a chick peep. Now if you raised the lid the girls will growl and be silent. That growl also signals the chicks to be silent as well. If you hear the clucking or even a peep if you feel up to it you can do a quick check. Quickly lift the lid and gently lift up the girls. All you have to do is raise up their chest to catch a glimpse. This will not be breaking lockdown procedures as it would in a incubator. While hatching the hen is going to raise herself up for a few seconds here or there anyway to move the eggs or even remove eggshells. She may bite at you when you place your hand on her chest but she should not loose her mind with a gentle lift as you are not going to make her fully stand up or get off the eggs.
Bless you for your care.
