question about hatching chicks

Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 08:35

I have a broody hen who is setting on eggs we got on vacation memorial day weekend.  I dont know what day she started setting and thought the eggs were rotten.  The other day one egg broke and to our suprise there was a fully developed chick with the yolk attached by a tube to its stomach.  It didn't make it but made me think maybe the others have a chance.  One of the eggs actually moves.  This started yesterday.  How long should it be till we have chicks?  She is up in a nest box about two and a half feet off the ground, should I move her before they hatch or after?

thanks

joyful homemaker

Untitled Comment

Posted by Kitty on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 12:22 - Link

If the egg is moving, I would say within two or three days. My hens set of nest for up to 21 days, then get off. I find nest with up to two dozen eggs in them, all bad. I'm not sure why they do this, but they do. I have only had one little chick hatch out, then die the same day. good luck with the chickies......Kitty