Hatching concerns

[farmgirl68]

1st time hatching eggs with a broody hen. There are 2 eggs one due tomorrow and 1 Wed.
I was unaware that after day 18 they should not be candled and candled both today. Momma is still sitting on them and they were both moving. One is a small white egg and the other is a large white egg.

I did not see any side of cracking on the shell, nor did I hear any sound.

Should I worry? If there is no chicks by day 25, should I crack the egg myself?

Is there anything I need to do once they hatch or will momma handle everything?

The nesting box is off the ground, do I need to move it to ground level after the chicks hatch? Or prepare a ground level nesting area?

Thanks so much!

Anxious momma

 

[nchls school]

1st time hatching eggs with a broody hen. There are 2 eggs one due tomorrow and 1 Wed.
I was unaware that after day 18 they should not be candled and candled both today. Momma is still sitting on them and they were both moving. One is a small white egg and the other is a large white egg.

I did not see any side of cracking on the shell, nor did I hear any sound.

Should I worry? Not yet. Besides worrying does no good. If there is no chicks by day 25, should I crack the egg myself? By day 25 the chicks would most likely be DIS. Assisted hatches are difficult and, often, disappointing. Unless the timing is close the chick usually dies.

Is there anything I need to do once they hatch or will momma handle everything? Mom will handle everything. Just make the environment chick safe.

The nesting box is off the ground, do I need to move it to ground level after the chicks hatch? Yes. Or prepare a ground level nesting area?

Thanks so much!

Anxious momma