How hatching works under a broody? Newbie help please!

[PouleChick]

I know I'm probably a bit late asking questions (see the problem below ) .....

.....but didn't know what I didn't know IYSWIM!
So it seems there is 2 chicks from 9 eggs so far (day 21 today) so far as I've seen. I didn't realise that I wouldn't be able to see them and that they would really, really be under her so much. I have no idea what I'm doing!!!

• How long will they stay under her (and stop hiding from me and show me who is under there )?
• How am I supposed to know what is going on under there with the other eggs?
• I'm too scared to even peep under her wings as I don't want to upset her / the chicks / any 1/2 hatched eggs (and OK it may be driving me nuts ). Any tips?
• When should I do anything / something and what should that something be (ie lift her up to see what is going on / stick hand under her)??

Thanks for humouring my billion questions!

 

[TheTwoRoos]

One their about three weeks they will stop going under her,but they will sleep under her.By three days,they should be out eating.Talk to them and spend time and they will come around.Just hatched five chicks.By day two I have them outside with mama and every couple hours (or if she still has hatching eggs every thirty or fifteen minutes),I let them outside to run around.I call leg excersices so they can gain muscle in their legs.

 

[sylviethecochin]

• How long will they stay under her (and stop hiding from me and show me who is under there )?

She'll start walking around with them between today and in three days (chicks don't need food immediately, and some hens are more stubborn than others about leaving the nest. Don't begin to worry until day three. My one hen took four days—her babies were hatched during really humid weather, and they were pretty weak for a while.)

• How am I supposed to know what is going on under there with the other eggs?

Pick her up and take a look. Don't do it if she's going nuts and being really mad, but if she pecks your hand once or twice, or just fluffs up, you should be fine to take a quick peek, scoop out any broken shells, do a headcount.

• I'm too scared to even peep under her wings as I don't want to upset her / the chicks / any 1/2 hatched eggs (and OK it may be driving me nuts ). Any tips?

Don't do it if she's frantic and scared of you, but most of my hens are pretty mellow about my reaching under them for inspection. If you can, it can be beneficial. I once had a chick that was was half-hatched, but an empty eggshell had somehow gotten onto his egg and it was preventing his egg from opening. It's not a huge worry, but I do like to check. Checking is not necessary, but it is reassuring.

 

[PouleChick]

By day two I have them outside with mama and every couple hours (or if she still has hatching eggs every thirty or fifteen minutes),I let them outside to run around.

I'm a bit more confused now sorry (it doesn't take much some days!) - do you mean without the mama if she is still sitting - how do you get them to go out - pick them up? Doesn't that upset mum?

Actually that is a point what do you all do about handling them? I want them to be kind and friendly like the rest of my girls (well except the silkies which I only got 2 months ago as adults and think I'm horrible - I hope Hermione doesn't teach the chicks that !) but I dont' want to do it too early?? I've never had any sort of chicks before (my others were 5/6 weeks when I got them).

 

[PouleChick]

Don't begin to worry until day three

Thank you - this is exactly the sort of guidance I'm looking for!

Pick her up and take a look

Good - have just been too worried to.

Don't do it if she's frantic and scared of you

No she isnt' frantic - she just doesn't come running in joy like my other girls whenever I set foot outside and pecks me if I annoy her!

Checking is not necessary, but it is reassuring.

I'm so pleased I am allowed to I'll feel so much better checking as I need to go out a couple of hours tomorrow late morning - thanks

 

[TheTwoRoos]

No mother does the taking out and feeding,although assisting her may be a good idea.I always put the chicks out myself,once they have all hatched.Hasnt caused an issue.Touching them once their all dry,is ok,just don’t over do it.Always wash the hands.Their not like wild birds,if you touch the eggs their not gonna just abandon the chicks.

 

[PouleChick]

More advice please! I went down after posting this and I'm glad I was armed with the info you guys shared with me. She was off the nest and sat on the floor right next to it. There was a chick stuck behind the feeder so I'm guessing she got out to try to get to it. I cleared up the broken eggs and the one poor little dead bird (had opened a hole but hadnt' got any further). I then put the little guy who was stuck back in and then carefully lifted her and was thrilled to see 3 more so there is a total of 4 live chicks which is great . However the eggs were cool she has not moved since I put her back and the chicks were spotted going to the feeder which is right next to mum and I did see one of them coming back out of the area with the water just beyond so I'm guessing they are OK and eating and drinking.

What do you think the likely outcome is for the eggs? We are now the morning of day 23 - although I didnt' put them under her until late in the day. Is there any hope?

 

[PouleChick]

What do you think the likely outcome is for the eggs? We are now the morning of day 23 - although I didnt' put them under her until late in the day. Is there any hope?

Anyone - help????!!!!!!!! Should I do anything today? Just leave her be? Candle them? Get them out and put them in an incubator (just found out my neighbour has one).

 

[WVduckchick]

Glad you checked under her. I think you said on the other thread that she isn't as friendly with you as your others, but this is a good opportunity to earn her trust. I have a few that didn't like me until they hatched chicks and I showed them that I was safe.

Yes its time to candle the remaining eggs. Some hens will stay so devoted to eggs, they don't take "as good" care of the babies, so she can't be allowed to sit forever. If they haven't hatched by now, they may have quit.

 

[PouleChick]

Yes its time to candle the remaining eggs. Some hens will stay so devoted to eggs, they don't take "as good" care of the babies, so she can't be allowed to sit forever. If they haven't hatched by now, they may have quit.

OK I'll do that - do you think I should put any good ones back under her or in an incubator?