How to have chicks with adults

[drumstick diva]

You can't rush nature, if she is still sitting, she intends to hatch the last ones. Some broodies, hatch a couple chicks and then dessert the remaining eggs. You've got a good broody, when she wants to take the kids out, you will know about it.

 

[Joshua G]

You can't rush nature, if she is still sitting, she intends to hatch the last ones. Some broodies, hatch a couple chicks and then dessert the remaining eggs. You've got a good broody, when she wants to take the kids out, you will know about it.

X2 When the chicks leave the nest, that's the que for the hen to leave, and she will leave any remaining eggs in the nest so she can watch after the early hatchers.
But, like "drumstick diva" says, "You've got a good broody", so hopefully the young'ns will sit tight while she is hatching those last few eggs.

 

[twoquinns]

This morning the hen was sort of antsy so I removed all the hatched eggshells (8 of them) and candled the unhatched egg. Although it looked to be fully developed, the chick had not ever broken into the air cell and there was no movement that I could see. So I'm trashing that egg so mama and babies can get on with their lives. Thanks for all the responses and advice.