Hen haching eggs questions?

[DossFunnyFarm]

I see alot of people useing incubaters to hatch eggs, what about good ol fashion hen hatching?
my one hen has been setting on a nest for 3 weeks,
1. will they evey hatch?
2. How long does it take?
As she is under a wood plile no one can get to her or them.
3. Should we still try and move them?
4. will the hen take care of them when they do hatch?

Thanks for any help or info,
melanie

 

[Marlinchaser]

21 days from the time she started sitting for real, the incuabation doesnt start till she stays on the nest.

if she has gone this long let her go. she will take care of them once they hatch. However I would be carefull about her having them in with others, mom can only protect so much.

 

[Red]

Our broody hatched some eggs and she was a great mum

If the eggs are definitely fertile there's a chance of chickies. Most hens take care of the chicks when they hatch, although i think certain breeds are more maternal (is that the right word??) than others.

 

[DossFunnyFarm]

Ok when you say "sits on them for real" How can you tell as she comes out at morning a dusk for food