Will mom know when?

[warmwater]

Hi, my broody hen just hatched 5 chicks so far. 2 hatched day 20 (Sunday)-2 on day 21 and 1 today- day 22. She is still sitting on two other eggs. On day 15, I candled them and all 7 were good. My questions are....How long will she keep sitting on the two eggs? If she gets off the nest should I candle them to make sure they aren't just late arrivals? I don't want to lift her up to check and disturb her just in case. [My friend gave me the eggs (we don't have a roo.) They are so cute....don't really know what they'll look like when grown--all her hens are BO's...she has 4 roos...2 silkies...1 BO....1 BR. LOL what a mix.]

 

[Ridgerunner]

Once she gets off the nest, you cannot make her go back. If she has not left yet, you might try putting food and water for her and the chicks near her if you can safely do it so the chicks don't drown. This might keep her on the nest a little longer.

Once she leaves the nest, there is nothing to stop you from candling any eggs left. If you have an incubator and successfully hatch any extra eggs, there is a good chance you can give them to mama and she will raise them.

As you are aware, some eggs may hatch early and some may hatch late, but they are programmed to hatch within that time spell that the early hatchers can wait on the nest for the late ones. It is not unhear of for a hen to leave the nest to take care of the living chicks with some eggs not yet hatched, but if yours has stayed on the nest three days after they started hatching, I feel she has fully done her job. Sounds like a good broody.

I once had a broody leave the nest early with several viable eggs not yet hatched. I disturbed her and caused it. Over 45 years later I still remember that. That's why I try to leave a broody alone during the hatch.

 

[warmwater]

Thanks Ridgerunner!