Hatching day tomorrow, should I remove eggshells once theyre hatched?

[rahmis4ri1]

We are so excited for the hatching day tomorrow. I have heard some sounds from the eggs and some movement.

My question is: as the chicks are hatching, shall I clean up the area and remove some of the egg shells? One lady who hatched chicks for us last time said that we need to remove shells so the chicks do not hurt themselves with the sharp edges of the shells. I am not inclined to do this as chicks have hatched this way for hundreds of years naturally. Any opinions? Mama hen is doing a very good job sitting on the eggs, and we will not be separating mama and chicks. There are 15 eggs total.

Thanks!

 

[featheredplanets]

The empty shells will probably work their way out of the nest anyway. Best not to interfere with hen and chicks while they’re hatching. Never heard of chicks harming themselves on broken shells.

 

[rahmis4ri1]

Thanks!

The area where she is brooding now is quite small, essentially a big nest box. I was planning on leaving them to hatch there, then move to a bigger brooder. 15 eggshells might crowd out the space? Does this change anything?

 

[featheredplanets]

Thanks!

The area where she is brooding now is quite small, essentially a big nest box. I was planning on leaving them to hatch there, then move to a bigger brooder. 15 eggshells might crowd out the space? Does this change anything?

No, if she can push them out she will. Good idea on moving once hatched, I find that works best.