What to do when a hen is hatching the eggs

[Jesusfreakmir12]

I have decided to let my broody Cochin hen hatch the eggs. Do I need to do anything? How long will it take? Is it ok if she gets up occasionally? This is my first time doing this so just need some basic info. Thanks.

 

[sourland]

If she is hatching chicken eggs, the incubation period is 21 days. She is biologically programmed to do everything - it is up to you to protect her from predators and interference from your other hens. She will leave the nest once or twice a day to eat, drink and poop. Have a game plan as to where you are going to keep her and the chicks once they hatch. Good luck.

 

[cdover15]

I am letting my hen hatch eggs now, and it is pretty easy! Just make sure you take good care of her and she will take good care of her eggs!

 

[binza1979]

I just had my broody cochin hatch 2 chicks...still waiting on a third. First time hatch for me too!

She started with 6 eggs. One was infertile. One she rejected on about day 17. One disappeared, but I found it crushed and STINKY at the bottom of her nest. Two little fluffballs are in the nest along with one more egg that I am hoping will hatch over night. I am giving the egg until Tuesday to hatch, or I am going to collect it and investigate...or she may give up and kick it out of the nest. She seems to be getting a bit tired of being on the nest. I saw her out 3 times today eating and drinking and calling the babies (that didn't come).

So, I have chick starter food and a chick waterer so when they are ready for food and water, they will be safe from drowning and will have the food they need to start. This has been such a fun experience! She went broody the day I got rid of my roosters, so I grabbed all the eggs laid that day and put them under her with my fingers crossed.