OK...I'm completely new at this. We got our first chickens at the end of this past February. Long story short one went broody and on Sunday, June 12 I put 13 eggs under her. I'm assuming we're getting close to the hatch date of July 3 or 4. My question is this - Since we're getting close....what should I be looking for? What should I be expecting? Can someone give me a brief series of events as they're going to happen? I hope that's not too much to ask, but as this is my first experience (and I've got a 4 yr. old daughter that is beyond excited) I'm hoping to do this right so that we get the best results we can.
I'd say just wait for peeps. Let nature take its course. On our first broody, I knew the chicks should arrive anyday, when I went over to her, I could hear chirping and I thought it was birds, so I didn't bother her. Then later I saw a little head stick out and say hello If you will be using a brooder, probably a good idea to get everything set up by Friday or so. Good luck!
The egg will start with a small pip and it can take 24hrs sometimes for the chick to zip all around and pop the top of the egg off. After he pops out of the egg he will dry under the hen. usually the hen will continue to sit until the chicks are all dry. Eventually he will get off the nest and take them with her. She will usually protect the chicks from the other birds. If you are using a brooder instead of the hen to raise them warm it up well before you take the babies away. Enjoy!
