Single hen

[fairy&cake]

if a hen has a fertile egg under her, how long does it take for it to hatch?

 

also , is there anything you must do to help the mother-to-be?

[The Pearsons]

The average incubation period is 21 days.

 

Helen in Hume

also with a broody on eggs.

[cutechicky]

Around 21 days There isn't much you need to do really. Just make sure mum has everything she needs and she will naturaly look after the eggs herself. It is good to keep a good eye out though, as some of the eggs won't hatch and some may leak. Mum may not see leaks/cracks in eggs so you need to make sure you take the egg away. This is because it could poison and kill the other eggs in the nest. (Just check when she pops outside for a quick run!)