Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Johnn]

Urgh, that hen has really annoyed me now!, its put me back in to the "desperate for a broody" mode now.

 

[gg706]

My eggs are supposed to hatch tomorrow. I think I made a mistake.....I took the broody out to eat and drink as she does not really on her own and has REALLY lost alot of weight during this process. Without thinking about it I picked up one of the eggs looked at it then put it back. I forgot about not turning the eggs the last few days before hatch if you are hatching in a bator.
If that egg was alive, did I now possibly set it down upside down and mess up the chick inside????
Also should I be seeing the eggs moving at all...I watched them the whole time the broody was out and saw nothing. ??

 

[Johnn]

My eggs are supposed to hatch tomorrow. I think I made a mistake.....I took the broody out to eat and drink as she does not really on her own and has REALLY lost alot of weight during this process. Without thinking about it I picked up one of the eggs looked at it then put it back.  I forgot about not turning the eggs the last few days before hatch if you are hatching in a bator.
If that egg was alive, did I now possibly set it down upside down and mess up the chick inside????
Also should I be seeing the eggs moving at all...I watched them the whole time the broody was out and saw nothing.  ??

I'm sure it will be fine, I always picked my eggs up with out taking notice to which side I put it down on. The hens rotate them a few Times a day anyways.

 

[Johnn]

My eggs are supposed to hatch tomorrow. I think I made a mistake.....I took the broody out to eat and drink as she does not really on her own and has REALLY lost alot of weight during this process. Without thinking about it I picked up one of the eggs looked at it then put it back.  I forgot about not turning the eggs the last few days before hatch if you are hatching in a bator.
If that egg was alive, did I now possibly set it down upside down and mess up the chick inside????
Also should I be seeing the eggs moving at all...I watched them the whole time the broody was out and saw nothing.  ??

I'm sure it will be fine, I always picked my eggs up with out taking notice to which side I put it down on. The hens rotate them a few Times a day anyways.

 

[bobbieschicks]

My eggs are supposed to hatch tomorrow. I think I made a mistake.....I took the broody out to eat and drink as she does not really on her own and has REALLY lost alot of weight during this process. Without thinking about it I picked up one of the eggs looked at it then put it back.  I forgot about not turning the eggs the last few days before hatch if you are hatching in a bator.
If that egg was alive, did I now possibly set it down upside down and mess up the chick inside????
Also should I be seeing the eggs moving at all...I watched them the whole time the broody was out and saw nothing.  ??

OH MY GOSH, WHAT DID YOU DO! No just joking

It will be fine. Like Johnn said the pullets move the eggs all the time. Don't worry about it. Also, if its cold where you are the eggs may take a few days more to hatch. So give it until like day 25 before checking whether they will hatch or not. Can't wait for the pics!

 

[plumtownwingers]

I found a egg outside of the nest box covered in yolk. Mz. Grey has broke 3 of her eggs. I am on day 5 and she has 8 left under her. She is not to dirty, but the eggs have some yolk on them. I cleaned the box and put xtra bedding in. Do i need to do anything else? or let it be.

 

[gg706]

Yall are funny! I am glad I didn't "scramble" the chick inside! Or put him "upside down" to hatch out of his shell! I am so excited for the chicks to hatch! I have seen dogs and cats born; but never seen a brand new chicken come into the world! I hope I can see some of the action! I am sure by the end of the day there will be a dirt trail worn into the yard from going to and from the hen house checking to see if the eggs are hatching. Hopefully it is tomorrow...I am getting impatient!

 

[6littlechicks]

OH MY GOSH, WHAT DID YOU DO! No just joking

It will be fine. Like Johnn said the pullets move the eggs all the time. Don't worry about it. Also, if its cold where you are the eggs may take a few days more to hatch. So give it until like day 25 before checking whether they will hatch or not. Can't wait for the pics!

Thanks for this info! Today is day 21 for me also and I heard peeping but nothing hatch.ed yet. it's cold here so I'll try to wait a few more days

 

[puffin311]

Can't wait to see a y'alls chicks. Post pics. Love fuzzy butts.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Please remember that peeking while they are hatching is like opening the bator. The momma is carefully regulating humidity and temps under her body so her chicks will hatch. It is best to leave her alone and catch glimpses of the new chicks as they emerge from under momma.

Of course that's easier said than done