Smell

[Alex Maldonado]

I have a hen that's been sitting in the eggs for over 18 days now I've noticed a smell coming from the nest should I remove the hen so I can check to see if any Chickies are dead , or do I wait?

 

[Poultrybreeder]

They have probably been pooping in the nest, or the eggs are rotten, I would check

 

[firestomp]

You only have 3 days left before hatching starts, could be a crushed egg, it happens, just let things happen, then replace the nesting material. If you insist on checking, do it at night if possible. Use a headband style light that has a red light as an option most do now days and it gives you both hands to work wth. red lighting doesn't bother them like bright white lighting.

 

[Top Rooster]

I'd check and sniff the eggs to see which ones to throw out

 

[Alex Maldonado]

You only have 3 days left before hatching starts, could be a crushed egg, it happens, just let things happen, then replace the nesting material. If you insist on checking, do it at night if possible. Use a headband style light that has a red light as an option most do now days and it gives you both hands to work wth. red lighting doesn't bother them like bright white lighting.

Thank you