Only one chic hatched

[scooterworm]

We had 4 eggs under our broody hen and only one hatched. We were hoping for at least 2 so they could enjoy each others company in the brooder. Will it be harder to introduce a chic to the flock after it's been in the brooder by itself for several weeks?

 

[monkton flock]

Were all the fertilized eggs laid at the same time? I incubated 7 eggs this past summer; they were each laid one day apart because I only had one hen and one rooster. Out of those 7 eggs, 4 hatched and it took a whole week. It possible that yours will take more time, a few more days. If you hen has given up on them, you might consider moving them to your incubator if you can have it set up and warmed up before you put the eggs in there.

 

[Honora]

Was there some reason why you didn't leave it with the hen to raise? You wouldn't have to worry about integrating it with the flock if it's being raised by the hen.

 

[scooterworm]

Yes.... we have cats outside. They don't bother them once they get a couple of months old but they're licking their lips at the little one.

 

[scooterworm]

Yes the hen stopped sitting today.... but I'll heat the incubator up and give it a shot. Thanks!!