Ok my lil broody who has sat tight for 3 weeks decides now that her eggs are pipping it is time to get up. What do I do? I turned the box so she can't get out but now she is just pacing in the box. Should I let one of my other broodies finish them out?? They have all been co-nesting for about 2 weeks. (Not with this girl though)
Maybe you should let the other broody have them. When are her eggs due, or does she have any? If the eggs are pipping already, you might be able to save the chicks by putting them in a box under a heat lamp. Maybe wrap them in damp paper towels for humidity. I have saved one like this when the egg got stepped on. Good luck!
Put her in the nesting box and close it somehow and make it dark. She'll either fall asleep or want to set again.
Crait - I did that and at first it didn't work - she was pacing and sqwaking. Then I took the lid of her nest box and she settled right back in. I think the lid was feaking her out.
She may be confused cause they're making noises, if she's young, instinct told her to set on them, but not really WHY she should set on them, and now they're all noisy and possibly moving too!! They were still and silent, but now this noise stuff is just too wierd for her!! LOL If that's the case, I think I'd be watching her to make sure she handles live chicks ok.
I just went and candled them because she had been off them a good chunk of the day. Looks like three of the four are pipped into the aircell and the fourth one is still moving. I had little hope for that one because about 1 1/2 weeks ago she accidently cracked it somehow. Chickies in the morning! Chickies in the morning Portagegirl - I'm wondering if that is what it was. I'm not sure how old the hen is - I'm guessing she is just over one year. I will definately keep an eye on how she handles the chicks.