What to do with chicks?

[Heffalump]

I had 3 cochin bantys sitting on 4 eggs each, all in separate pens. They were due to start hatching on Sunday. I've given it to today and only 5/12 have hatched. I think my kids have been poking around with them and some have got chilled.

Anyway. I have all 5 chicks under 1 hen and I was letting the other two hens continue to sit on the eggs just to see if they were going to hatch late. As it has now been 4 days I don't think any more will.

So my question is, do I separate out the chicks? If I had 6 chicks I would put two under each hen and be happy enough, but if I split them up one hen will just have a single chick. Will it be lonely?
Should I put all 3 hens in together and just let them mother the 5 chicks whatever way they see fit?

What would you do?

 

[sourland]

I would allow the one hen to keep the chicks as they have already imprinted on her as 'Mom'. I would return the other two hens to the flock. They'll be broody soon again and have their chance at motherhood.

 

[tigger19687]

I agree, keep that one hen.

As for the eggs, candle them to see if they are viable.