HELP....eggs hatching as we speak!

put the water (with marbles or similar) and chick crumbs down straight away, but put them close to mum as she will probably need something but won't want to get off the eggs for a couple of days. I didn't put anything apart from hemcore but out of your two suggestions I would go for the pillow case 9the chicks wont bother about the housey smell  . Finally get your camera charged up and at the ready 

Hi,
When I have broody's hatch chicks, I never bother with sandpaer or pillow cases, they are usually Ok whith straw, depending on what water container you use pebbles are a good idea, mum usually knows best, and shows the chicks what to do. All you need to do is make sure they have penty of chick crumbs and water, and leave for about 3 days before changing the bedding.
Looking forward to the photo's. 

Michelle xx

Sorry, I woudl'nt recommend straw....this can get wrapped around their feet or necks!!!

Never had that problem and have been breeding chickens for 7 years.

Michelle xx

within a few days she  will bring the chicks out to drink and eat, Now she is trying to hatch the other eggs and keep a carefull eye on the hatched ones. So she can get realy stressed, you can go morning and late afternoon to check change water add food but when you approach the aera where she is call her name and talk remember she has young and you could be the one that feeds her or a fox after the young.
dont worry about the eggs shes doing a good job.

Don't over do the fussing let the hen sort them out she'll show them how to feed.  Provide water in a shallow dish (or use marbles if you like) though chick drinkers are best as they provide a narrow channel which the chicks can drink from without fear of drownding or getting wet.  Provide Crumbs after about 24 hrs on a flat board.  I use a piece of ply with a fine wire mesh (about 5mm square) stapled to it which stops the crumbs from being scattered and gives the chicks a surface they won't slip on and it's easy to clean.  Once they are feeding you can use a chick feeding trough. 
For litter you can use small softwood shavings preferably, chopped straw or newspaper.  I've never heard of pillowcases and can't see the advantage in using them at all as they are just liable to become wet and fouled quickly.  Also chicks being strangled by straw I've never heard of either.  They may look delicate but they are pretty tough and survive well if you don't interfere too much.  Just make sure the base isn't slippery is absorbant and can be cleaned easily.
Regards