Hello! This is my first experience with a Broody Hen. She’s a Rhode Island Red and in her own “nursery” area attached to the main run. I put the fertilized buff Orpington eggs under her on July 2 morning, so today- July 21- would be 19 days. We had an intense storm last night with tons of lighting and rain so I went out this morning to check her nursery area and I heard a chick. On day 19. It seems fine and is staying under her wings from what I can tell. I’m just concerned about it being 2 days early. Wondering if the lighting and storms could have “shocked” it into hatching early? If the others take the full 21 days I’m concerned how all will work out with this one, and maybe more to come, hatching “early.” My philosophy has been to be as hands off as possible and let the mama do her job and nature take its course, so I’m hoping everything works out.
Any experience with this? Thoughts? Advice?
Any experience with this? Thoughts? Advice?