Hatching + Pipping Question for the EGGSPERTS!!

[suzettex5]

Do chicks hatch more often at night or during the day if they are under a broody hen (natural hatching)?


So I know my Maran has been on her eggs a minimum of 20 days today. And I candled today and all 7 eggs are FULL of chicks that are all moving and the aircells have gotten a tiny bit bigger in each egg.

so when does pipping and hatching really begin? day 20, 21 or what? I am trying to stay on top of things but I dont want to mess with the eggs anymore than I absolutely have to.

these eggs are really full of chick, from top to bottom, but you can stiil see small movements. I am afraid I'll miss the hatch and the peeps will attract predators (or my soon to be dinner, egg+chick eating BO's)

No sign of even a tiny crack- I'm terrified of death before hatching (in the shell) Scared I wont know what to do, if anything
When do I check her for hatchlings?

P.S. my hen is EXTEREMLY tame and couldnt care less that we pet her and touch her eggs all the time.she never pecks and just makes a soft, low cluck when we interact with her and her eggs, I LOVE HER!!

 

[jbowen9]

let nature run its course she knows what to do better than you just give it a day or two and she will come off with some little ones

 

[Chick-a-roo Girl]

Do not handle eggs. They need to stay in hatching position the last three days. They may not hatch until day 21-23. Even after they hatch do not move the hen. Hen needs to stay where she is for several days. Give her food and water and do not encourage her to move.

 

[Lov'emSouthernEggs]

My thoughts...

Leave them be. If you have a good broody, let her do her job. She will hatch them, warm and dry them and she will protect them.

We think we are helping and we really aren't...to help is to trust the Mamma!

Mamma knows best. And a good broody is worth her weight in eggs...golden ones!