Hatching eggs day 21

[Mevos]

Hey guys looking for some advice.

I have 2 broody hens hatching a batch of chicks atm. It’s day 21, there are 2 eggs left one is starting to get cracked but the hens have stopped sitting on the eggs and looking after the new chicks. Is this normal? Or do I need to keep the 2 remaining eggs warm still!

 

[Buckingham Palace]

How Long ago did the other chicks hatch? I would try and keep them warm. how long has she been off the nest?

 

[JedJackson]

Are you saying the hens have only abandoned the unhatched eggs, or have they abandoned the hatched chicks as well?

For the eggs, if the hens aren't sitting on them, move them to an incubator, if you have one available. They must be kept warm if those chicks are to hatch.

For the chicks, if the mothers have left them, you need to set up a brooder ASAP and put them in it.

It is normal for a mother hen to leave unhatched eggs after most have hatched. It is not normal for a mother hen to abandon newborn chicks. If that is what has happened, do not allow the hens in question to set on eggs again, as they are unfit for the job.

 

[Buckingham Palace]

 

[Mevos]

Are you saying the hens have only abandoned the unhatched eggs, or have they abandoned the hatched chicks as well?

For the eggs, if the hens aren't sitting on them, move them to an incubator, if you have one available. They must be kept warm if those chicks are to hatch.

For the chicks, if the mothers have left them, you need to set up a brooder ASAP and put them in it.

It is normal for a mother hen to leave unhatched eggs after most have hatched. It is not normal for a mother hen to abandon newborn chicks. If that is what has happened, do not allow the hens in question to set on eggs again, as they are unfit for the job.

Thanks for the advice. Oh no the hens are very protective of the new chicks and looking after them well. There are 2 remaining eggs, I can see today that one is starting to hatch. This will be day 22 now.

She is returning to the nest to sit on them with the chicks every now and then. I was just unsure how long is ok for her to not be sitting on them.

I’ll keep a close eye today. Unfortunately I don’t have an incubator set up to remove and hatch without the hens.

 

[Mevos]

How Long ago did the other chicks hatch? I would try and keep them warm. how long has she been off the nest?

It was hard to say. This is day 22 and majority hatched yesterday day 21. I have 2 hens tending to the new chicks as they became broody together.

I can see action with 1 of the eggs today a little chip started. I’ve seen her sit back on the nest throughout the day. I just didn’t know how long was to long for her not to sit on them.

They are very busy teaching the new chicks how to eat and drink and explore the coop.

 

[Buckingham Palace]

Just keep an eye on the egg and check that it's still warm. How long does she sit for.