Help! Chicken disappeared and presumed sat on eggs somewhere

[Backyard Hencam]

Ehhh....maybe.
My last broody had a quick but vigorous constitutional the day her eggs started pipping.
She was like "ohcrap better go crap, dust, and drink before they start coming out!"

Yep....sounds like she's getting ready....I'm checking in every day to see how this story ends! Keep us posted!

 

[Vlwood_10]

Well I took a peek yesterday evening and the first chick was out and at least one more pip. I have just checked again now and we have 2 chicks with the 3rd on it's way out. This 3rd one looks a little stuck so really not sure whether to intervene. Looking like she's zipped the wrong way, membranes possibly starting to dry out, yet she has a clear airway and mamma hen is trying to help her. I don't really want to interfere with nature

 

[Vlwood_10]

Help! 3 chicks are out and at least 3 more pips. Baby 3 is not doing so well. She looks weak and has not opened her eyes. Should I take her in in an incubator? And put her back when doing ok?

 

[LaFleche]

I would not disturb an ongoing hatch at all. No looking, counting or else. Just stay away and wait until they show up the next day all dry and fluffed up.

 

[Stepnout]

I’ve never hatched chickens just a few quail many years ago. My instinct says stay away and let her do her thing. I can only assume peeking at her disturbs her maybe in just a small way but nonetheless it must be disturbing.
These next few thoughts of mine are for not directed at anyone but just my own opinions so please everyone take them with a grain of salt or a cup of coffee.
Chickens have been raising broods for likely longer than incubators were invented (lol true that) hens have been introducing their chicks to the flock way before we humans thought WE COULD DO BETTER.
I’m thinking leave her alone let her hatch them out and let her introduce them to the flock. Likely no need to intervene unless in her inexperience she looses concentration on her duties.
In my own simple little mind the chicks that hatch without human intervention will be survivors, tougher and healthier. Sadly the chicks that don’t make it without our help were nature’s way on making the breeds healthier.
All wildlife species that have multiple births from insects to turtles, to fish to chickens to puppies and kittens is nature’s way of guaranteeing the species survives. The weak die the stronger carry on stronger genetics.
Wow this post just grew on me lol!
This is a great mini series and I think we are all enjoying the updates.
Looking forward to the updates. Really happy you’re getting this great opportunity to witness.

 

[aart]

I don't really want to interfere with nature

Then don't
Hang in there!

 

[Vlwood_10]

Well for a variety of reasons we decided to intervene today. Today is day 26. Her secret nest was some distance from the coop, and there was really almost no chance she would make it there with her chicks unscathed due to predators, weather

etc.. She is now safely in her crate in the coop with 8 baby chicks and has already shown them the food. We have 5 eggs in the incubator. And had 1 chick dead in egg after pipping. Not the best of photos but will get later when settled in.

 

[LaFleche]

Congratulations! What a cute little family.

 

[Nicsbackyardchicks]

How lovely

shes a lovely mama and glad it's all working out well

 

[aart]

She is now safely in her crate in the coop with 8 baby chicks

Good move!
Were all 8 chicks hatched when you moved her?
What's your plan to integrate her back into the flock?