Derpychick
In the Brooder
- Jun 30, 2015
- 21
- 4
- 39
When I got home today my sister and I checked on the chicks and fertilized eggs and we found that one of the eggs was most likely stepped on by our broody hen. The chick was hanging outside the egg, surrounded by bedding, still in the fetal position with its feet up and head tucked. Its been very cold out, and our broody hen won't sit on the eggs as much anymore because the four other chicks have hatched and are ready to explore more. it was so cold out, so we took the chick with her egg inside. Shes still attached to the egg and in that position. We put her on some soft rags and under a heat lamp. I think she might have already been dead when we found her in the coop, but we are doing this just in case. I don't know how to tell if she is breathing or not... she has her eyes closed and she definitely does not look like she wanted to hatch. I'm thinking that shes dead, but is there any way to tell if shes alive? Shes not moving at all- doesn't look like shes breathing.. Is it even possible that shes alive?
Yes, this broody hen is only a little over a year old. So far she has been good with all her chicks (there are four others) but today she cracked this chicks egg PLUS she stepped right on top of her chick that was born this morning. i had to lift her up and save the poor little chick. I think that my hen is getting antsy to leave the coop. I will definitely use your advice! Thanks!
