Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Zinnia-Hen]

Another question (sorry, new to hatching). I know it takes a while for chicks to hatch, but one of mine who has started to hatch this morning still isn't out of the shell. He's made some progress since I actually saw him this morning, you can see his wing, claw, and face, but there hasn't been much more new progress since then. He seems healthy, he's breathing fine and peeping, his exposed feathers are dried so that I guess indicates he's been like that for a while.

But anyway, taking this long to hatch is normal, correct? If not, then what am I supposed to do?

 

[Zinnia-Hen]

Nevermind, he just hatched.

I'm worried about him, though. His broody seems a bit confused, as if she doesn't know what he is or that this is her chick... Hopefully they'll get acquainted.

It would hurt me to lose him.

 

[JoshU]

Nevermind, he just hatched.

I'm worried about him, though. His broody seems a bit confused, as if she doesn't know what he is or that this is her chick... Hopefully they'll get acquainted.  It would hurt me to lose him.

If your broodie isnt sitting over him and keeping him warm then you should get him in a brooder asap. If he is under her then he should be fine. If she leaves him alone for extended time then there is something wrong with him that we dont know or she is not doing her job correcrly. Keep an eye on them.

 

[hokankai]

My broody has killed 3 of the 5 chicks I gave her. She just isn't attentive enough. If you really want him to survive...don't leave it up to nature.

P.s. I'm in Camas too! Right on the outskirts almost into Orchards

 

[Zinnia-Hen]

Quote: Thank you.

Everyone is fine now. I guess they were just a bit jumpy at first. The chick is being sat on and everyone has calmed down.

 

[Zinnia-Hen]

My broody has killed 3 of the 5 chicks I gave her. She just isn't attentive enough. If you really want him to survive...don't leave it up to nature.

P.s. I'm in Camas too! Right on the outskirts almost into Orchards

We'll wait and see what happens. The broody and her chick are fine now.

So sorry about the chicks.

That must have been devastating.

Awesome!

 

[hokankai]

That's good! I'm kind of bitter right now so don't listen to me

 

[cubalaya]

i am getting a little worried. my hens have been sitting for 2 weeks and now another hen is trying to sit in the same box with them. will she hijack the nest or mess things up?

 

[Miss Lydia]

i am getting a little worried. my hens have been sitting for 2 weeks and now another hen is trying to sit in the same box with them. will she hijack the nest or mess things up?

If that is going on then I'd make an enclosed place for your broody doesn't have to be nothing fancy just a dog crate will even work, make sure to give her water and food. She may not like the move thats why I say enclosed. and if you can wait till evening you'll have a better chance of her settling right down..

 

[Miss Lydia]

We'll wait and see what happens. The broody and her chick are fine now.

So sorry about the chicks.

That must have been devastating.

Awesome!

Sounds like they have worked it out, you'll really enjoy watching mama and chicks together. Don't forget pics.