hen left nest mid-hatch - what about these eggs?

[kimTn]

my broody dom just left the nest with 4 chicks which probably hatched this afternoon, but has not gone back to the nest which still has ALOT (like 24) eggs. should i warm up the incubator? is there time? will she go back on and finish the hatch? why does this happen when there's no time to think about it??

 

[enola]

If the chicks just hatched this afternoon she should not be taking them off the nest. You better start up the incubator and put the chicks and the eggs in it.

 

[kimTn]

thanks - she was still on the nest this morning. got the incubator fired up, moved her and the babies into a dog kennel. the eggs feel cool, but two that are pipped are still peeping.... so if any are in the bator tomorrow, then can i slip them to her when she's asleep?

 

[kimTn]

just wanted to say thanks again for your help - 5 chicks hatched out today, and tonight i slipped them under her. when i checked about 30 min ago, couldn't see any of them since she's got them all covered!!! so glad you said to fire up the incubator!!!