Natural Incubation and Hen's Age/Experience Level...?

[sawilliams]

Disease might have something to do with it.

About a week ago...I noticed worms in some of the droppings. I don't know if they are from the hen in question but I think I might have a worm problem in my flock and the hen might have contracted it.

Which means I shouldn't be breeding the hen and rooster anymore. At least until I have dewormed the whole flock.

Thanks for the tips and insight. Will definitely look into doing a deworm and quite possibly changing the feed/nutrition.

Worms will more likely effect the health of your hen then hatchability of your eggs. But since a mama won't eat as much while she is sitting parasites can kill her while she's broody.

If you are seeing worms its most likely is tapeworm segments, they are the most difficult to get under control and a good indication the hens will have other types of worms as well. Most chicken type wormers do not treat tapeworm and you will need a vet to prescribe meds or research until you feel comfortable with a treatment as you will likely have to use meds that are not labled for chickens and you will not be able to use/eat those eggs during treatment

 

[OG_SHAMOS]

Well guys...I have GOOD NEWS...!!!! My hatch rate just went up...!!!!!

Went back to check on the chicks and most of them hatched successfully with 2 needing some help from me. I had to remove the shells and some inner membrane but it was a success none the less.

15 Eggs Total. 2 dead. 11 hatched. Still waiting on 2 more to see the outcome. I am giving these last 2 eggs until tomorrow to see if they will hatch. I candled these 2 to see if I can see the chick but with not much success as my flashlight is really cheap/weak and also because the egg color is brown instead of white. I am not going to go out and waste money on a high dollar candler or high power flashlight.

If these last 2 eggs make it...that would be 13/15 eggs hatched for a hatch rate of 86.66%. If they don't...it would be 11/15 eggs hatched for a rate of 73.33%. Not bad for a newbie and young/inexperienced hen. Looks like I won't be needing one of those expensive incubators anymore...!!!

Thanks everyone for the info, tips and advice. Looks like I was just a little too worried and jumped the gun a little when I should have just been a little more patient.

Looks like my hen is very good at hatching chicks and I am off to a great start to being a 'SUCCESSFUL' backyard chicken hobbyist...!!!!

HHHHOOOOOOOOOORRRRRAAAAAAYYYYYY...!!!! LOL.