Is a mother hen supposed to help chick hatch?

Yes, a mother hen is supposed to help her chicks hatch. In fact, her role is crucial in the hatching process. Here are a few ways a mother hen helps her chicks hatch:

1. Maintaining Proper Temperature and Humidity:

- A mother hen sits on her eggs to provide the necessary warmth and humidity for proper embryonic development. She adjusts her body temperature and position to ensure the eggs are at the ideal temperature for hatching.

- By regulating the temperature and humidity, the mother hen helps create a suitable environment for the embryo to develop, allowing it to hatch successfully.

2. Turning the Eggs:

- During incubation, it's important for eggs to be turned regularly to prevent the developing embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. Mother hens instinctively turn their eggs multiple times a day to ensure proper growth and development.

- This prevents the embryo from attaching to the shell and allows the chick to move freely within the egg, facilitating successful hatching.

3. Providing Moisture:

- As the embryo develops, it releases moisture into the air cell within the egg. If this moisture builds up excessively, it can prevent the chick from breathing and hatching.

- Mother hens instinctively know how to regulate the moisture levels by occasionally lifting off the nest, allowing the air to circulate. This helps maintain a healthy environment for the developing embryo.

4. Helping the Chick Pip the Egg:

- Once the chick is fully developed and ready to hatch, it begins to break the eggshell by pecking a small hole called the "pip." Mother hens gently tap and encourage the chick to continue breaking the shell.

- Some hens might even remove bits of the eggshell to help the chick emerge. This assistance can be crucial in ensuring the chick successfully hatches out of its shell.

5. Providing Warmth after Hatching:

- After hatching, chicks are wet, cold, and fragile. Mother hens provide them with essential warmth and protection by covering them with their feathers.

- The mother hen's warmth helps dry the chicks, prevents them from losing body heat, and allows them to grow and develop properly in the early stages after hatching.

6. Teaching and Protecting:

- Once the chicks have hatched, the mother hen teaches them essential skills, such as finding food and water and avoiding predators. She also shelters them under her wings to protect them from harsh weather and other dangers.

It's worth noting that not all hens show the same level of maternal instinct and care. Some hens might be more attentive and hands-on than others. However, in most cases, mother hens play a vital role in the successful hatching of their chicks, ensuring their survival and growth in the early stages of life.