What do I do?!

[Ivytalon]

Okay, this is my first hatch EVER! I have 8 eggs all sired by my EE Roo of mixed breed (polish, sumatran, barred rock, and EE) underneath my 3 year old barred rock hen. She is in a separate coop and has been set for about 20-22 days. Today I heard cheeping!! I'm freaking out because I'm home/on farm alone and have no idea how to handle this or if I'm supposed to do anything. How long before they come out?
Shes a BIG hen, even for a BR, is she going to crush the babies?? She's been very good so far.
Should I help in any way? I know BR's don't necessarily go broody and she is the eldest in the coop with no others who have brooded.
Is there anything I'm missing?!! I'm so worried and excited!!

 

[MakelaNJoe]

i think her mommy chicken instincts are kicked in gear so my guess is you have no concern over those eggs she should handle them just fine! maybe peep under her every now and then see how its going. and from my understanding it could be all day before all chicks are finished.

 

[Ivytalon]

When they do start to hatch will their cheeping change? Also, will I be able to see the chicks from under momma or will I have to lift her? Shes so calm I can go in without a glove and ask her to move and she'll lift for me.

 

[MakelaNJoe]

if you are watching which it sounds like you are you should see a head or two every now and then being brand new they will want to be huddled with mom. sounds like she ls very well behaved if you havent seen any movement in a couple hours from under her take a peek dont make her move just lift her wing alittle or roll her to a side. she should do most of the work with them on her own and for the noise making it might be louder once hatched not sure how different the sound will be though cheaping instead of peeping maybe?

 

[Ivytalon]

I see the first baby!!!!! It's a grey little ball of fluff!! She keeps getting flustered at it and pecked it, is this bad? It's her first batch so is she just confused about being a mom?

 

[Ivytalon]

Chick two spotted! I can hear egg cracks and tapping too!

 

[MakelaNJoe]

is mom better now or still pecking? so happy they are comng along! congratulations!!!

 

[Ivytalon]

She's still a little worried when they move but hasn't made repeated attempts to peck since those first few minutes, phew!

Update: chick two is yellow and red?!

 

[MakelaNJoe]

how do the legs look? if green siunds like possible EE

 

[MakelaNJoe]

She is most likely nervous they are new little fluffy babies under her that are now her responsibility to teach! i wouldnt be to concerned if it isnt repeated pecking a little peck every now and then is normal