Hatching Under a Broody Hen

[Arya28]

The broody's do also get shaky from sitting in long stints without stretching or using the muscles.

Both reasons I prefer my girls not to sit too long and why I provide a little more protein (than layer) and put oyster shell on the side for girls who are still laying.

Ok thank you! By the way, I forgot to answer your question before- the light they are under is red.

So far one has hatched and is running all around under her! So cute! And we have at least one other egg pipping and peeping, but there could be more. It’s hard to tell without moving her a lot which we don’t want to do.

 

[Junochick]

I just read your thread from the beginning and I just want to say congratulations on your babies

 

[Arya28]

I just read your thread from the beginning and I just want to say congratulations on your babies

Thank you!!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So far one has hatched and is running all around under her!

Keep an eye and make sure it finds it way back under. Actual running around, in my experience would indicate more than 12 hours since hatch since they don't seem to get their land legs too early. Before that it seem more like knee jerk hopping and scooting or something. Basically what I'm trying to say is not controlled enough to actually stable.

 

[Arya28]

Keep an eye and make sure it finds it way back under. Actual running around, in my experience would indicate more than 12 hours since hatch since they don't seem to get their land legs too early. Before that it seem more like knee jerk hopping and scooting or something. Basically what I'm trying to say is not controlled enough to actually stable.

This one definitely hatched around 2:00, I heard the shell crack and the it popped out all wet. It’s more been moving around under her, though it did come out for a few minutes a couple hours ago! It dried off very fast.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I heard the shell crack and the it popped out all wet.

Wow, how cool is that!

 

[Arya28]

I know!!! Anyway it’s back under her

 

[Arya28]

She was very nice and gentle about tucking it back in! I was like oh no it’s going to freeze, but she has it under control!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

She was very nice and gentle about tucking it back in!

That's great!
Can't wait for pics of mum and babes, after she brings them out.

Main time when I have chicks get pecked is if I am trying to tuck them in, like after inspecting them. At which point she is actually pecking at me and just accidentally get the chick. So I usually have them covered in my hand where she can only get. Of course that varies by bird. Some are more gentle towards me.

 

[WVduckchick]

I slide chicks under momma's rear end, under a wing, or up between her legs. Especially if its one that I hatched in the incubator.