how long till hatching?

[Theapplechicks]

Just wanting to mark aprox. arrival time on our calender and also to check dates.... going on vacation in May. We have a hen that has gone broody and is setting on some eggs. She has been consistantly sitting on them for about 3 days now. Just wondering when to expect them to hatch. This is our first time hatching! Hubby is gonna love this as we just went and bought 7 chicks cuz we didn't think they were going to set on them! Now I will need that second pen!

 

[kscottjoyce]

The norm is usually 21 days, but probably depends on the breed. I am on day 21 and the chicks started hatching this morning. AND they are absolutely cute! I would think your hen will take care of them though after hatching.

 

[Theapplechicks]

She's in a pen w/ 3 other hens right now. They haven't bothered her on the nest but do you think they will be ok in there with her after they hatch? 21 days will put us a few days before our vacation. I'm gonna have a sitter come and check the feed and water every day. Will we need to put chick food in there too? the big hens will probably scarf it down though.... I can't leave any of them out because w/ have hawks in the area and they can't free range unless we are here to stand guard.