hatching under broody hen-no more peeping and blood...

[crazy4eggsJulie]

Our broody has hatched several chicks over the past week on different days. This morning, two eggs had small holes and I could hear peeping from both. This afternoon, the shell is off of a large section of one and I can only see white membrane. No peeps. No movement. Later this afternoon that same one has blood on it. No movement. No peeping. Does this mean that the chick is dead? Did the mother peck the outside shell off to try and help. We've never done this and are not sure to try and help or what.

 

[smith2]

Hard to tell. Sometimes they just take a long rest before the last big effort, but usually they die in the shell for some reason. Is she still on the nest or did she get off. When they are dead she usually gets off and leaves them.

 

[mamaKate]

I've never hatched chicks but most people say don't help. Apparently, If the chick isn't strong enough to hatch on his own, he probably wouldn't make it anyway. I hope you get more answers from folks with experience.

 

[crazy4eggsJulie]

Quote:
Well, this is a crazy hen. She has been sitting for 6.5 weeks straight. She killed two previous chicks trying to stay on the eggs, so we have been taking the chicks from her as they are born. They aren't even her eggs in the first place! Anytime she finds one, she starts to sit!