Chicks hatching early Day 19 (buff Orpington chicks, Rhode Island Red mama)

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Still so upsetting about 2 that got smothered. Any way to help others not face the same fate?

I don't know of any way to prevent it. Even if you checked under her often, it only takes a minute or two to crush the chick. Like I said earlier, I have 2 otherwise excellent broodies who seem to be klutzes when it comes to crushing eggs and newly hatched chicks. But it hasnt happened every time with either of them, and the problem is luckily pretty rare. I'm sorry you have experienced it.

 

[Chive]

I don't know of any way to prevent it. Even if you checked under her often, it only takes a minute or two to crush the chick. Like I said earlier, I have 2 otherwise excellent broodies who seem to be klutzes when it comes to crushing eggs and newly hatched chicks. But it hasnt happened every time with either of them, and the problem is luckily pretty rare. I'm sorry you have experienced it.

I agree. I also had a hen like that, and she was my best broody. I'm so sorry.

 

[chalbond]

Well we ended up with three healthy chicks. I was hoping for a better hatch rate, but I suppose for the hen and our first time I am counting it as mostly a success.

 

[ladyhand]

How funny, my dates are EXACTLY the same as yours. I googled because my broodys first batch happened last night on day 19. So far we have one active baby!

 

[Chive]

How funny, my dates are EXACTLY the same as yours. I googled because my broodys first batch happened last night on day 19. So far we have one active baby!

Awesome! Have any more hatched since then?
It seems that most chicks get too excited when hatching and try their hardest to get out.

 

[ladyhand]

4 were born on day 20 (Monday) and the last day 21 (yesterday). I’m absolutely obsessed with them! Momma had a 100% hatch rate!