Hen still sitting on eggs after first baby chick hatched a day and a half ago

[Orozcofam]

Hi so this is my first time having backyard chickens, we’ve had them for over a year now and it’s our first hatching season. Our hen has been sitting for a few weeks and we got our first baby chick yesterday midday but I checked this morning and no other eggs have hatched. She’s still sitting on her other eggs but idk if I should just take them out or just leave her be. Help!

 

[Perris]

just be patient; she is waiting for the rest to hatch. Leave her alone so she can keep the temperature and humidity just right for the eggs/ chicks. The one that's hatched will be fine for 3 days on the absorbed yolk (it doesn't need anything else to eat or drink).

 

[Orozcofam]

Thank you so much! This was super helpful. When do you think I should give up on the eggs she’s sitting on?

 

[WoDia]

Thank you so much! This was super helpful. When do you think I should give up on the eggs she’s sitting on?

I wouldn’t bother her and the chick. There are likely more eggs ready to hatch. You’ll know she is finished sitting if she takes the chick and leaves… and doesn’t go back. IF that happens, candle the eggs and check for pips before you toss them. IF that happens, fire up the incubator. I’ve heard stories of people tossing eggs and discovering there were live chicks inside that were just a little behind in incubation.

 

[Perris]

When do you think I should give up on the eggs she’s sitting on?

when she does. She instinctively knows more about this than we will ever do.