Unplanned chicks

[Ashllen]

My broody hen managed to dupe me. I thought she was laying on some false eggs, didn't realize a couple of her flockmates snuck in and added a few live ones to the pile before they were way past the point where I'm comfortable "ending them". As another surprise, one hatched today. She is still laying on the other e, but I don't know how long she will be willing to do so, also, I would like to know if there is a way to check for signs of life? At most the other 3 are a week younger then the 1st (they snuck them in when I was sick with covid for a week and a half). Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[Wereplatypus]

You can try candling the eggs

 

[Ashllen]

You can try candling the eggs

I did try that a couple days ago... but I don't know what I'm looking for? They all were dark with an air pocket at the wide end of the egg. Since one hatched today I guess that means they are doing fine?

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I did try that a couple days ago... but I don't know what I'm looking for? They all were dark with an air pocket at the wide end of the egg. Since one hatched today I guess that means they are doing fine?

They may be getting close!? Do you have an incubator ready in case she abandons the nest to help her chick? Or are you going to brood her yourself so the hen stays with her eggs?

 

[Tonyroo]

Sounds like those eggs are ready to hatch soon.

 

[Ashllen]

View attachment 3486239
They may be getting close!? Do you have an incubator ready in case she abandons the nest to help her chick? Or are you going to brood her yourself so the hen stays with her eggs?

I'm looking into picking one up. I'm hoping she will lay on them long enough to atleast be able to pick up a good priced one. But I'll pay extra and just grab one from my local shop if she decides to leave them. But I would probably try force brooding first, she is Nesting in a little bunny hutch so it's easy to close it up and keep her nesting

 

[Ashllen]

This is the baby. Mom is an ameracauna and it came out of a blue egg.

 

[Ashllen]

Of course the broody hen is my moca Java.

 

[Ashllen]

So the chick left the nest with mother in tow while I was at work. The eggs got cold before I got her back on the nest, are the eggs still going to hatch?

 

[Ashllen]

Nvm. The answer is yes they will, I've got a second chick now. The mom even left the nest for 5 hours yesterday and one still hatched! I was debating when I should call it quits with the eggs but glad I decided to hold off just in case!