Hen has baby chick but other eggs not hatched

[crzy chkn ldy]

I need help, please! My hen has been sitting faithfully on 17 eggs, she is now out in the yard with one baby chick. I have checked the nest all other eggs still there. What I am reading is that the baby she is out with is at least two days old and if the others were going to hatch they would have done so already. My question is I have her and baby locked in a pen for now, do I need to move her nest to her or is that really a lost cause? I just find it hard to believe that only one hatched. My other hen just had 14 babies on Wednesday. Please advise before I do something I shouldn't do.lol

 

[Heidisgran]

I need help, please! My hen has been sitting faithfully on 17 eggs, she is now out in the yard with one baby chick. I have checked the nest all other eggs still there. What I am reading is that the baby she is out with is at least two days old and if the others were going to hatch they would have done so already. My question is I have her and baby locked in a pen for now, do I need to move her nest to her or is that really a lost cause? I just find it hard to believe that only one hatched. My other hen just had 14 babies on Wednesday. Please advise before I do something I shouldn't do.lol

can you candle the eggs and see if there is movement in them or are they pipped ready to hatch?

you may need to take the chick until the other eggs hatch

 

[crzy chkn ldy]

Can I move the nest in with the mom and baby?

 

[Heidisgran]

Can I move the nest in with the mom and baby?

in my experience I would take the baby or she'll leave the nest to raise that one....but as soon as the others have hatched you can give it back...they have imprinted on each other so it should go smoothly...but before you do anything make sure there are others going to hatch before you worry about changing anything...yes you can move the nest she may not show as much interest if she feels she needs that little one though...

keep me informed!

 

[crzy chkn ldy]

The eggs in the nest are cold, not seeing movement in any except one. We have put eggs in the cage with mom and baby. Have light on them. What should I do now? I am sorry to be such a bother. This is my first time dealing with momma hens and babies. I raised all my babies without their momma, so this is a whole new experience. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[crzy chkn ldy]

Two of the eggs were cracked, a little hole actually, no movement from the one and very little movement from the other.

 

[Heidisgran]

Two of the eggs were cracked, a little hole actually, no movement from the one and very little movement from the other.

that sounds like a pip? is she sitting on them? keep the baby away from her in a brooder until the other hatches...did it look like it was in the air cell? like it's ready anytime to hatch? if you were to incubate the egg and let her keep the baby she may not accept the new one...but if you keep the chick until the other hatches she'll take it back if it's only a day or two...good luck

 

[crzy chkn ldy]

If the eggs are cold, would that kill the chick inside the egg? If I can get the eggs warm again will the baby chicks have a chance to hatch?

 

[Heidisgran]

If the eggs are cold, would that kill the chick inside the egg? If I can get the eggs warm again will the baby chicks have a chance to hatch?

they would have to have dropped below...I believe it's 78....for quite awhile for them to die...yes they can still have a chance

 

[Heidisgran]

Quote: especially since you saw movement!