Hatching chicken eggs - no incubator or broody hens

[Teasal]

I have not got round to hatching any chickens of my own lately, never had an incubator, just a broody hen, but none have been broody for years.

My elderley Uncle always taught me to dab the eggs with warm water, gently, the day before they were due to hatch, as he said that softened the shell and would help the chicken. I do agree that from my previous hatchings, some chicks do need a helping hand to get out of the shell. All that pecking does weaken them and sometimes they just don't make it. And yes, they are usually very thirsty after all their work.

Fingers crossed that your next hatchings are a success.