Will these eggs even hatch?

[SoORchick73]

Is this a new mother? It sounds to me that she is breaking the eggs open once they have pipped trying to help the chicks from the eggs or.... If you have an incubator or another broody hen consider taking the eggs from the mother and moving them.

I think you are exactly right...a friend suggested that too. Now I'm losing a third. I don't have another broody or a bator. Darnit! The third egg that pipped now looks totally smashed but the chick inside is peeping. I fear the same fate for the rest. I have to leave for work and there's really nothing else I can do. I watched her peck at the shell of the one that now looks smashed.

 

[nchls school]

Sorry. I wish I had another solution; very disappointing for you.

 

[SoORchick73]

Three brand new babies under mama this morning! (third one hiding in pic) And a fourth almost hatched. Some happiness to the end of this story...we will see what the rest of the day brings.

 

[nchls school]

Three brand new babies under mama this morning! (third one hiding in pic) And a fourth almost hatched. Some happiness to the end of this story...we will see what the rest of the day brings.

Yeah! I was hoping night would make a difference; hen can't see to peck at the eggs. Those that are still hatching are at risk. Watch carefully. The three chicks that are dried off should be fine. Maybe the hen will stop pecking at the pipped eggs now that some chicks have hatched. Good and better luck!

 

[SoORchick73]

Yeah! I was hoping night would make a difference; hen can't see to peck at the eggs. Those that are still hatching are at risk. Watch carefully. The three chicks that are dried off should be fine. Maybe the hen will stop pecking at the pipped eggs now that some chicks have hatched. Good and better luck!

Yes true! I have 4 total. The third one that looked "smashed" last night died stuck in the membrane. It was breathing and trying to get out this am but by 3 it died with its beak stuck out But 4/7 made it and they are so cute. Too bad I can't keep them all lol!

 

[nchls school]

Yes true! I have 4 total. The third one that looked "smashed" last night died stuck in the membrane. It was breathing and trying to get out this am but by 3 it died with its beak stuck out But 4/7 made it and they are so cute. Too bad I can't keep them all lol!

I guess you have to look at the ones that survived and forget those that didn't make it. With luck the hen won't do a repeat performance if you ever let her brood again. Can't keep them all? I know what that's like. I've four young roosters and only room for two. And they've all become "pets". I keep telling the wife we need to move to the country.

 

[SoORchick73]

I guess you have to look at the ones that survived and forget those that didn't make it. With luck the hen won't do a repeat performance if you ever let her brood again. Can't keep them all? I know what that's like. I've four young roosters and only room for two. And they've all become "pets". I keep telling the wife we need to move to the country.

Haha! We moved out to the country and bought 25 chicks expecting 5-6 to be cockerels. Only one was. He has "fathered" 27 babies since May 18th! :O Of those 27 we kept 6, and rehomed the Rooster (and of THOSE 6 we kept, only one cockerel so far). Here is the last hatching just before they left with their new family today (ps this mother hen has been banded on the leg so she won't be allowed to brood again)

 

[SoORchick73]

I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but we sold all 4 chicks and this is the first time I didn't let a hen keep at least one. She's in the barn wandering around seems to be looking for them. Will that pass on a day or so? I feel guilty

 

[nchls school]

I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but we sold all 4 chicks and this is the first time I didn't let a hen keep at least one. She's in the barn wandering around seems to be looking for them. Will that pass on a day or so? I feel guilty

Yes, I am still reading this thread; curious to know what happens to the chicks. The hen will be fine and in a short time she will start to lay eggs and, probably, want to brood again.

 

[SoORchick73]

Yes, I am still reading this thread; curious to know what happens to the chicks. The hen will be fine and in a short time she will start to lay eggs and, probably, want to brood again.

All of the chicks went to a new home, and mama hen is still wandering aimlessly in the barn looking for them

that makes me a little sad....I have one more night of work then I'll work on taking her out to the flock and giving her treats...