Just hatched a chick

My free range broody is sitting on 13 eggs. I went out to check on the progress as some are starting to peep and hatch and found one egg where the shell was mostly gone but the chick was wrapped almost completely in the thick membrane. There are 2 from what I've seen. A thin one and the thicker one on the inside of the shell.

To make a long story short this was an active chick with no way out from what I saw. I could have left it to struggle all night and maybe not make it but opted to help remove enough of the membrane for it to break free. Once I got it loosened the chick popped out peeping and flailing like crazy. I lost a chick last week when I helped it out but this one is so strong that I have a good feeling about its chances.

I know many people here have been through this before but to see this little bird struggle and make it out was incredible. It was really a gret feeling to know that the first thing that it saw (if they can even see when they hatch) was me. Tonight has been a cool night.

 

The humidity around the broody for the last couple of weeks has been rather high. Her brooding with the rains and wind just shows her dedication. She is a protected bird in my flock.

Anywho. Before going to work I went up to check on her and the chicks from last weekends hatch. The rescued chick is fine and has 2 cohorts in crime now with another working its way out. SO it look like at least 4 new flock members will be welcomed before it is all said and done.

I do know that some will not hatch as this hen and her eggs stink. I am sure that there is at least one bad egg under her or perhaps hens just get real smelly when they brood on the same spot out in the weeds.

Doesn't matter though. I've gotten more than I bargained for. I got a lost hen back with 4 more fuzzy butts to watch grow.