HELP! Hatching eggs with broody hen

[Jjdesmo11]

first time letting my hen be broody. 21 days past and went to toss the 2 eggs she was laying on. When I checked on her she wasn’t even sitting on the eggs so I grabbed them and one had broke through and was hatching! I was worried they wouldn’t stay warm and that she stopped sitting on them so I took them inside and wrapped with warm wash cloth and heat lamp. Would it be smarter to put them back with my hen? I’m so worried and I know there’s no guarantee either way. I read the post about hatching and know to let them be but I’m worried about them getting to cold at night please help! I always get great advice on this page

 

[bobbi-j]

You were taking them away on day 21? I would have left them under her and let nature take its course. I have read that you don't want the moisture directly on the egg (damp wash cloth or paper towel) because it actually acts to cool the egg. If they haven't hatched yet, I'd put them back under her and let her figure it out. It may be too late, but you never know. She will keep the chicks warm much better than a human artificially can.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Thanks! Yes I felt like the wash cloths got cold too quickly. It was closer to 25 days because it was 4 days I marked eggs. When I checked on her today after work she wasn’t on the eggs. Is it normal to them not to sit on them while they are hatching? I had my hen in a separate broody coop and had lost hope that they would hatch. So after removing her from that coop I saw one egg was hatching! My neighbor who has done this before said the egg seemed cool and to keep them warm and moist. This is this hens first time with babies. I want to let her do most of it but worried they might get too cold if I don’t intervene. I know there’s no sure fire answer I just want to give them the best chance at making it

 

[bobbi-j]

If she had been setting for 25 days, she may have given up on them. Humidity is important for hatching eggs, but best if it's not touching the egg. Being in a humid environment instead of moisture on the egg.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Great thanks so much and wish me luck!

 

[bobbi-j]

Good luck - will be waiting for an update!

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Sadly just woke up to find the eggs dead. I’m so upset around 11 pm it was chirping and pushed through more. I took a picture. Maybe not moist enough? The menbrane looks dry. How do I know for sure it’s dead? No mouth movement or noise I assume it’s gone?

 

[bobbi-j]

Sorry to hear that. At least you tried. It would have died for sure anyway if you hadn't found it since the hen had already rejected it. Not every chick hatches, even under "perfect" conditions. Hopefully it will go better nex time.

 

[Jjdesmo11]

Well thank you. I was feeling like maybe I shouldn’t have intervened in the first place. I had one other egg with it that when I candle I can’t see any. No moving or chirping. So I did a float test and it floated. Mom hen is still broody and I got her this morning and put her back on the remaining egg just to see what happens. If she remains broody is there any harm in trying again? I feel bad I have to separate her but of course I’m providing food and water and otherwise I’d have to “ break” her. Sorry lots of questions. I now feel like it’s best to let momma do her thing.

 

[bobbi-j]

Did she stay on the egg? If so, I’d either get her a couple of day olds from wherever you can get them, or break her. I would not let a hen set through two broody cycles. They lose a lot of condition when sitting and are also more susceptible to mites.