HEAVY HEN SQUISHING CHICK EVEN BEFORE IT HATCHES! BIG PROBLEM!

[Peppercorngal]

I have a few very large hens from my Jersey Giant Rooster. Last year one was broody and hatched an egg, but she was so large she squished it and it died. This year another large hen has been sitting for me on eggs along with fake eggs to help keep her full weight off the chick. The two eggs are currently trying to hatch, but as you can see from the photo mom hen is squishing them, so they may not fully get to hatch. I hear the chicks peeping in the shell. Should I take them and put them in my incubator, or let nature take it's course? I like the hens to do what they do and really don't want to take mamahood away from her. If I take them I can't give them back, they will be squished for sure. Any thoughts????

 

[Weeg]

I would take them and put them in the bator, it has the best chance of survival this way as you can help it hatch if necessary. You can still give the chicks back, just do it at night when momma is sleeping and she won't know the difference. Good luck! Keep us posted! @MGG @shawluvsbirds

 

[ChickNanny13]

I'd remove the eggs to hatch, maybe give them to another broody?
Adding them back at night into her nest may work, however with her weight and inexperience I'd really keep a close eye on the nest.