How long should I wait? Two hatched

[cluckfan]

My first time Silkie hen has just in the last day hatched two chicks. There are several other eggs but nothing yet from them. I am wondering how long should I wait before I remove the other eggs from the nest? I was surprise any have hatched. They got pretty cold before she decided to go broody. What is the chance any of the others will hatch. I have not candled them because I have poor vision and it's almost impossible for me to see what is going on.

 

[PoultryGirly]

I would wait at least 3 more days. Do you know what day the eggs are on? Could these chicks have been early-birds?

 

[cluckfan]

It's possible. The date that I noticed my two hens going broody was march 27th. That may not be entirely accurate. give or take a few days. There are six or seven eggs still in the nest with the two chicks and almost a dozen under my other hen. They would both be first timers.

 

[PoultryGirly]

That would only be 17 days if she started sitting on March 27. Either the hens started sitting before March 27 or this is the earliest hatch in history! What breed of poultry were they sitting on? Since you think it's only day 17, I would give them at another week.

 

[cluckfan]

Silkie eggs. There is another chick peeping in his shell since yesterday. It has a small hole in it that has not changed much. I can still hear life inside. Hope it makes it? yes I was surprised to find chicks so early.

 

[PoultryGirly]

If it has been 24 hours since the little chick made the first hole in the egg and there was no progress, I would consider helping the chick out!

 

[cluckfan]

Yes I had to help. Chick is small but seems ok today. Mom is taking care of it. Two eggs to go in this clutch. No signs of hatching in the other nest. Hen there is sitting on close to a dozen. They got pretty cold before she decided to sit on them, but no colder than putting them in the fridge.....