Hen behavior close to hatch

[chicChickChick]

Anyone notice changes in a broody’s behavior close to hatch?

 

[Debbie292d]

Not really. They still get off the nest once or twice a day for a few minutes to eat/drink/poop and still viciously protect their eggs.

Are you observing some different behavior in your hen or just wondering if they should be showing signs of hatching soon?

 

[chicChickChick]

Not really. They still get off the nest once or twice a day for a few minutes to eat/drink/poop and still viciously protect their eggs.

Are you observing some different behavior in your hen or just wondering if they should be showing signs of hatching soon?

Both!

But she’s acting extra broody the past two days tucked even deeper into the nest, super defensive of her space. Didn’t even let any of the other gals in to lay extra eggs.

We’re around day 20, with questionable dates since we got home from vacation to a broody.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

They usually just hunker down the last day or two. More pancakey when they lay on the nest and a little grumpier. Still get up once or twice to eat/drink although some don’t the last day.

 

[Debbie292d]

But she’s acting extra broody the past two days tucked even deeper into the nest, super defensive of her space. Didn’t even let any of the other gals in to lay extra eggs.

Mine do that daily so that's why I don't see a difference. Sticking your hand in on day one is the same risk of sticking your hand in on day 20.

But, if you're seeing a difference, then there you go!

Wishing you a great hatch!

 

[chicChickChick]

So antsy!!!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Once the chicks internal pip they start talking to the broody to let her know it is getting close. She often becomes vocal, talking back to them occasionally. Some hens will get off of the nest to eat, drink, and poop but many stay on the nest until the hatch is over. Once they external pip the majority will stay on the nest for the duration but each is an individual. Mine generally stop other hens from laying in the nest once the hatch starts. But until internal pip, no changes.

Trust me, I know it is hard to just wait. But the best thing you can do unless you see an emergency is to sit on your hands and let her handle it. You cannot help but you can do harm.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[chicChickChick]

It’s happening!!!!

I lifted up my broody and saw two eggs- one has the front cracked up and I hear chirping. I think another has pipped.

If only the front is being cracked open by the chick do I worry about the back of the egg?

Could I have messed everything up by lifting her up to check on the eggs?

 

[Ridgerunner]

If only the front is being cracked open by the chick do I worry about the back of the egg?

No. I don't know how much you know about the process but they pip by making a very small crack or hole, wait a long time, then zip by cutting around the egg so they can push it open.

Could I have messed everything up by lifting her up to check on the eggs?

Could you have messed things up? Yes, it is possible. Some hens react violently to that and could harm a chick or egg. Did you mess things up? Probably not. There are several people on this forum that can't keep their hands off of a broody or out of an incubator during hatch. They usually don't cause harm, but the potential is there. Check on her in 24 hours, it can take that long sometimes.

 

[chicChickChick]

so the entire front third was open with membrane only. No back side zipping. No idea how chick did that. But she was shrink wrapped in. Cut open the membrane and s/he’s tucked under mama now.