Posts by bobbi-j

There's really nothing you can do except wait it out. This is not a reason for panic. 

Nope, just leave it be. They can take up to 24 hours or longer to hatch.

Broody hens tend to be secretive, and won't leave the nest if they know you're watching. I have also heard of broody hens dying on the nest, but I really can't believe that it's a common problem. Think about it - if it were, there...

How old is your rooster? How many hens do you have? Those are the two factors that first come to my mind. I'm sure there are others out there in BYCland who will have more helpful questions and answers... 

Just came home last night after being gone for a week. Checked on broodies, and one decided at that time to take her daily stretch - she has 6 of 15 eggs left, evidence of broken eggs in her nest. Of course she had scratched all the...

I think your best option would be to reinforce your run. Get hardware cloth - 1/2" squares and put over your existing welded wire. Chickens can't stick their heads out, hawk can't reach its head in. The hawk will eventually leave if...

Quote:Wow I'm shocked and saddened by some of these responses. My dog is my baby! I'd gladly and happily pay any amount to replace chickens and freak right out if she was filled with birdshot or worse, killed, over a chicken. I'm...

That clicking means you could have a short in your fence - it may be touching something metal. That would also be why you're not getting much of a shock. It doesn't even have to be touching, just close enough to be arcing.

If you had to help the chick hatch,it's likely that it was too weak to hatch on its own and would have died anyway. So, at least you gave it a chance. Next time you have a broody, mark the eggs she's hatching so you will know which ones...

I just dealt with this. Here is the thread: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/788134/hen-with-squishy-distended-abdomen   Yours may not have the same problem as mine, and it was my choice to put her down. What you do with...