Hen "helped" eggs hatch, any advice?

[Jgrzyosbo]

Last time my BA hen hatched eggs, she pulled big pieces of shell off the pipped eggs. One of the chicks didn't hatch/survive. Her current clutch is due to hatch Friday. Should I be concerned, or is it OK for her to "help" the chicks hatch?

 

[Kiki]

Do you have an incubator?

 

[Jgrzyosbo]

Do you have an incubator?

No, I don't, but I have time to get one.

 

[Kiki]

No, I don't, but I have time to get one.

I would not get one just for this.
I'd just watch her close come hatch day and pull the chicks if she starts pecking them again.

 

[Jgrzyosbo]

I would not get one just for this.
I'd just watch her close come hatch day and pull the chicks if she starts pecking them again.

Thank you! I will.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you! I will.

I'm guessing she might have freaked out a little last time. Maybe this time she'll do better.

 

[Jgrzyosbo]

I'm guessing she might have freaked out a little last time. Maybe this time she'll do better.

I was thinking that, too. I'll keep my eyes on her.

 

[Kiki]

I was thinking that, too. I'll keep my eyes on her.

Keep us posted. I'd like to know how she does this time.

 

[Jgrzyosbo]

Keep us posted. I'd like to know how she does this time.

I will. Due Friday!

 

[Jgrzyosbo]

I will update tomorrow - she's still sitting pretty, and I have seen 2 chicks. Clutch of only 5...