Off the nest on hatch day?!

[Eric R]

Is it ok for a broody to be off the nest on hatch day? I peaked at the eggs really quick and 2 were in the process of zipping. Humidity is 54 outside so not sure if that's ok.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

A hen should not be off the nest once the chicks have externally pipped. It is critical at this stage that the eggs are covered not only to maintain humidity but to protect and heat the chicks once they emerge from the shell. Once zipping starts a chick can be out of there in minutes and will chill very quickly if not covered by a hen.

 

[Eric R]

A hen should not be off the nest once the chicks have externally pipped. It is critical at this stage that the eggs are covered not only to maintain humidity but to protect and heat the chicks once they emerge from the shell. Once zipping starts a chick can be out of there in minutes and will chill very quickly if not covered by a hen.

She went back in after about 5 minutes. Hopefully that didn't ruin her hatch.

 

[bobbi-j]

They should be fine. She knows far more about being a chicken than we do.

 

[Eric R]

Well she's back off again. She has 10 eggs so let's see if and how many hatch.

 

[Eric R]

Well she has not gotten off the eggs since but I'm not hearing anything from her nest. I am guessing that the eggs that were zipping may have not made it. IMaybe got shrink wrapped when she got off. t's a shame because she seems to be really committed now.

 

[chickens really]

Keep waiting...Give her a couple of days. My Hens both Chicken and Duck have gotten off the nest on hatch day and zero issues. Best wishes..
Hopefully you have her separated from the flock during the hatching process..

 

[Eric R]

She is separated. I just figured the zippers would have hatched by now and would be making noise.

 

[chickens really]

She is separated. I just figured the zippers would have hatched by now and would be making noise.

Well many times I hear nothing till the Chicks pop their little heads out. I have used a long stick to poke my Hen because once she moves the babies peep. Hopefully she didn't kill them as they began to hatch...

 

[bobbi-j]

She is separated. I just figured the zippers would have hatched by now and would be making noise.

I don’t always hear the chicks under mama when they’ve hatched. After all, they’re safe and warm so they have no reason to complain.