Inherited incubating eggs please help!

[RhpsPython]

A family member passed away unexpectedly and she has 3 incubators on the counter I am at a loss of what to do with. I was told there is a broody hen that she had been planning to put the chicks under, but I know nothing about the actual hatching process! Coming into this at the tail end is a little overwhelming with everything else going on at the moment. The two smaller incubators were started first from what I understand, and then I was told today is the day and that they have 4 hours left? I’m so lost, please any information on what to do between now and placing them under the broody hen would be such a huge help. She would have wanted the chicks to be safe and taken care of so I have to make that happen.

 

[FosterFeathers]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Is there anyone near you that could help or take over? If you’ve never hatched chicks before it can be a little overwhelming. Wish I could help more. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[Kiraeh]

You're going to be ok, you can do this.

How many eggs are there? Once hatching starts, it often takes 24 hr to finish, and if there are different breeds of chicken in there it can get drawn out if they're staggered. Once they hatch, chicks don't need to eat for about three days so they can just stay in there until they're all done. It's safer not to open small incubators like that, it's too easy to upset the conditions they need. If some have trouble, we'll worry about it then.

Do you know where the broody hen is? Is she somewhere separate from the rest of the flock? The technique to get broody hens to adopt day old chicks is to take the chicks in at night and tuck them under her while she's asleep. Then in the morning you watch to make sure she's accepting them. If all goes well, it's very simple.

If she was setting that many eggs, there must be a brooder somewhere. It's best to make sure that's ready in case the hen doesn't accept the chicks, or if you have any that need special care. You'll need it for sure when that big incubator is ready, unless there's a lot of broody hens waiting. But one thing at a time.