It's been 21 days and no chicks...still sitting though, do I do anything???

[Farmmama]

Help the new one out please... Hen has been sitting for over 21 days and many many eggs, no chicks but she still sits. Should I do anything and if so what?

Thanks any and all help is appreciated.

 

[sumi]

Is there anywhere near you where you can get some day old to week old chicks? If you can get some, slip them under her at night, when she's sleeping and remove the eggs. Watch how she reacts in the morning. She'll probably be happy with her "hatch".

 

[Farmmama]

I wish I did... this is my first go round with brooding. We didn't count when she started so we don't know the exact day she started. I am thinking we are close to the 21 day mark if not there. I have not checked the eggs since she doesn't get up with out force and I don't want to stress her.

Any advice is welcome.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

You should be able to after dark reach under her and pull the eggs out to candle them.

 

[Farmmama]

Thanks so much I will give that a try.

 

[eveningstar]

I agree with the candling. I have had chicks hatch a day late with no problems. Good luck! Baby chicks are so fun!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Welcome to byc. Good luck with the hatch.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good luck.