How will my broody hen act before the big hatch?

[Chicken Newbie07]

So I have a hen that has gone broody and has done a fantastic job at it. Today is the 21st day, and being relatively new to chickens, you can imagine my excitement and anticipation. I went in there and lifted her a bit to see it there was any signs of cracks or even chicks, but I see nothing. I do see her acting a bit more alert than usual. The past 21 days, she has been very focused and dedicated, but today I see her more alert and moving just a tad bit more.
Should I worry about it being the 21st day and no hatch yet?
What should I do if they don’t hatch?
Should I assist?

 

[Roo5]

I would just wait and see what happens the next two days and if nothing happens, take eggs.Some chicks take longer to develop and hatch.When they first hatch you’ll probably notice her chitter chat a lot, and once they are done hatching shell usually take them out after about a day or two.

 

[Mvan42]

I had eggs hatching up to day 23 with a broody. So I would give them time. When she finally leaves the nest make sure you check any remaining eggs before throwing them out. Candle look for movement. I had two still to hatch after my broody left. It was cold and wasn’t moving much after they go warmed up they started to try to hatch again, they did Need assistance but that was because of other things..

 

[Santa Claus]

So I have a hen that has gone broody and has done a fantastic job at it. Today is the 21st day, and being relatively new to chickens, you can imagine my excitement and anticipation. I went in there and lifted her a bit to see it there was any signs of cracks or even chicks, but I see nothing. I do see her acting a bit more alert than usual. The past 21 days, she has been very focused and dedicated, but today I see her more alert and moving just a tad bit more.
Should I worry about it being the 21st day and no hatch yet?
What should I do if they don’t hatch?
Should I assist?

No, should leave her be. Wait until they hatch and she moves them off the nest. Then dispose of the leftover eggs and nest. Best if you put it in a compost pile but you can just put it away from the coop and run in the woods or trash.

 

[Chicken Newbie07]

No, should leave her be. Wait until they hatch and she moves them off the nest. Then dispose of the leftover eggs and nest. Best if you put it in a compost pile but you can just put it away from the coop and run in the woods or trash.

Thank you! Yes, I just left her alone. And I went back out a couple hours later and there is one chick in there! I’m so excited for tomorrow morning!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You shouldn't lift a hatching hen. Chicks go between the body and wing to warm up the fastest and you can very easily and quickly crush one if you pick her up with a new one under her like that

 

[Ruthster55]

I have had a broody hen hatch on day 25. Just leave her alone until the chicks start peeping loudly the day they hatch.

Note: cool climate at 7500+ feet altitude.