Help we are new to hatching chickens and don't know what to do!

[waddell5farm]

We have had chickens for about 10 months now, they came with the house we bought so we don't know how old they are! We are thinking of having chicks so we were waiting for them to go broody! Well two of them have gone broody! They have eggs under them so what is the next step?

Thanks
The Waddell family

 

[NosiphoChooks]

Well to be honest there isn't much work for you to do the broody hen will take care of it! If you want to check the fertility of the eggs you can 'candle' them from 10 days which involves getting a bright torch in a dark room and shining the light through the egg. After 10days you will be able to tell which are developing as there will be red veins and you may see some movement. Then you can always get rid of any which are not developing to save possible mouldy egg mess.

Feed the broody hen and lift her off the nest each day for 10minutes or so to stretch their legs. I have a buff orpington who is broody at the moment and will she get up off the nest?! I have to push her off for a bit each day or she doesnt eat or drink. I also hand feed her high protein foods such as boiled egg and sprouts from seeds (alfalfa etc). In 21 days time the eggs will hatch (some might have been laid earlier/later than others so give a few extra days) and you will need to supply chick crumb or mash. The mother will teach them to eat and drink and will keep them warm under her wings.

 

[waddell5farm]

Thank you so much for your reply. Our hens are not getting off at all and we didnt know if we should disturb them. Any helpful tips please keep us in mind
Thanks