Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[elmtree]

Ok guys I REALLY need some advice. I poste above with some questions about my bantam EE sitting on eggs. One hatched and the other two were externally pipped late this morning but I don't see any progress. I do hear peeping from at least one of them. I'm really worried I did something stupid. I pulled them out for like 5 seconds each at about 11 this morning to check on them and Inspect them. The book I have says that you can cause them to have to adjust themselves again and that can tire them and kill them. I was ever so gentle and quick. This is my first ever hatch. How long is it supposed to take for them to get out if the shell?? Please help!!!!

 

[Jharper]

Ok guys I REALLY need some advice. I poste above with some questions about my bantam EE sitting on eggs. One hatched and the other two were externally pipped late this morning but I don't see any progress. I do hear peeping from at least one of them. I'm really worried I did something stupid. I pulled them out for like 5 seconds each at about 11 this morning to check on them and Inspect them. The book I have says that you can cause them to have to adjust themselves again and that can tire them and kill them. I was ever so gentle and quick. This is my first ever hatch. How long is it supposed to take for them to get out if the shell?? Please help!!!!

They may still be absorbing their yolk. Just because they are pipped doesn't mean that they are done growing. So there is still some hope for your two little ones.

 

[Johnn]

About how long does it take from the first few pips till they are out? The egg felt like the end was all cracked.

Anywhere up to 24hrs

 

[Johnn]

And yes to all the people who commented on my photos, she is a nasty girl! Gives power pecks and everything!

 

[Johnn]

 

[chickydee64]

Ok guys I REALLY need some advice. I poste above with some questions about my bantam EE sitting on eggs. One hatched and the other two were externally pipped late this morning but I don't see any progress. I do hear peeping from at least one of them. I'm really worried I did something stupid. I pulled them out for like 5 seconds each at about 11 this morning to check on them and Inspect them. The book I have says that you can cause them to have to adjust themselves again and that can tire them and kill them. I was ever so gentle and quick. This is my first ever hatch. How long is it supposed to take for them to get out if the shell?? Please help!!!!

Hi, Jharper is right on..just wanted to add it can take 24 hrs or a little more.They will work then rest, then work then take a little nap..........
I do not think you have hurt them. It really is best not to check after pip because it can cause the membrane to shrink wrap them from the change in humidity. My experience has taught me they are tougher than we think............

Good Luck and let us know how it goes...........For got to add.........the chickens do not read those books.......

 

[Fentress]

Hey There,

My first season with broody hens and I have a few questions. Did not expect to have any broodies this year, so I ordered a game breed to use next year. I have BR, NH and SS from a commercial hatchery(Welp). I thought I had made the right decision until late May when 2 Speckled Sussex went broody. I isolated them in the same coop with the flock and they did OK. They did not protect the chicks all that well, but the dominant hens in the flock were only mildly irritated with the whole situation for a few days and then every thing calmed down. NO chicks hurt! I also have lots of free range (room) so everyone could spread out. Then in July 4 more hens went broody, 1 BR, 1 NH and 2 SS. About a third of my hens went broody this year. This is their first season. I thought that was a respectable percentage. Why did the hens go broody so late in the year? Will they go broody earlier next year in their second season? Chicks are for spring? Right? I have heard that late season chicks will never reach their full potential as compared to chicks born in early spring. Can that be true? I have some breed decisions to make. No need to keep a game breed just for brooding, if the other breeds can do it. Also, it seems that standard bred chickens may be more broody that hatchery birds. I guess you need to ask the breeder, but that is the direction I appear to be headed in.

Is late season broodiness characteristic of the heavy breeds? Do game breeds brood more in the spring?

Thanks for all your help.

Mark

 

[Jharper]

She's like MOMMA quit moving! LOL!

 

[elmtree]

Thank you everyone for your advice. We had an accident ugh. The first baby and momma were really thirsty. It was warm and humid here today. So I had a chicken waterer close by for them and one of the big girls knocked it over and it spilled under and soaked the shavings under momma and the baby and eggs that are pipped. I don't think it was wet long as I was checking every hour or so. I cleaned out half then scooched mamma and everyone (she moved the eggs) to the other side and cleaned out and replaced the shavings in that side. I haven't touched or looked at the babies since this morning so as not to disturb them. I hope they will be ok. I just went out and everyone is sleeping so that's good. I'm so glad chickens don't read those books!!! Lol I won't disturb momma at all tomorrow lol

 

[CGinJCMO]

Quote:
I thought putting the number on the very top of the egg would be good enough. Apparently, I can't see. LOL

CG