Hatching under my broody. Day.... 20-22?

[Smashlee83]

Hello! I am new here and somewhat new to raising chickens. I grew up with a lot of chickens as a child but was never responsible for them myself. Now my family has started a little hobby farm. I've got 6 silkies and a polish. One of my silkies is super broody. She tried to hatch during our big Texas winter storm and they didn't make it so now she's trying again. She's super dedicated. I was out of town for a few days when she started laying again, so the first egg under her I don't have an exact date on. She's anywhere between day 19-23. But I'm leaning more towards the latter.

She's very trusting and let's me lift her up and check the eggs, can I still candle at this point? There's been no pipping and I'm starting to chew my finger nails to the bone.

 

[sourland]

You can, but since start date is uncertain, I'd just let her set a bit longer. Is there any possibility it will be a staggered hatch?

 

[Smashlee83]

It will be staggered. I placed a second egg under her when I got back from vacation, so it could be anywhere between 1-4 days difference.

 

[DobieLover]

It will be staggered. I placed a second egg under her when I got back from vacation, so it could be anywhere between 1-4 days difference.

That may be an issue if they are 2-4 days apart. A broody will typically abandon any unhatched eggs after a day to leave the nest to raise her chicks.

 

[Smashlee83]

That may be an issue if they are 2-4 days apart. A broody will typically abandon any unhatched eggs after a day to leave the nest to raise her chicks.

She's actually separated from the rest of the flock in a kennel at the moment. The other hens were picking at her.

If she does abandon, is there anything I can do for the last egg without an incubator?