Hatch date for broody hens

[robyn8]

Anyone know the average hatch rate for a broody hen? I've got my first broody sitting on 4 eggs right now. She's on Day 5 or 6 I think. I candled one egg and can see tiny veins and a dark blob. The babies will be buff Orpington silkie crosses so I'm pretty excited to see what they'll look like!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Hatch date as your title says or hatch rate as your post reads? Two different questions there.

 

[robyn8]

Yeah sorry auto correct changed rate to date and I didn't notice. I wanted to know what percentage of eggs a hen is sitting on that she will typically hatch assuming they were all fertile to start.

Mine sitting on 4 eggs and I'm wondering how many might hatch.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

No problem, just wanted to be sure I answered the question you were asking.
There are a lot of variables that go into hatching - but my own personal experience has always been very high hatch rates (90% or better, many at 100%) for every clutch set by a broody hen.

 

[robyn8]

Ok great! I really hope she hatches at least 2 but it's her first time so we'll see!

 

[robyn8]

My broodys first chick hatched! I'm so excited! I lifted her up to check and there it was all dry already.

Two questions. Does mama usually eat the shell. I didn't see one under her. Also this is a dumb question but do the chicks sleep like normal dead looking chicks under mama? She was pretty upset with me lifting her so I only got a quick look. Baby looked fine just that normal sleeping position I've seen with my others where they look dead, lol.