New to having broodies

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akaruby

akaruby

Songster
Mar 28, 2015
549
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Southern Tier, NY
Hi all, so my two serama hens have decided to go broody and are sharing a nest box. I have some eggs due to hatch today or tomorrow and I've read I can give some chicks to broody hens at night to raise. What would you suggest? Should I try these new chicks or some fertile eggs?
 
My best way of seeing if a broody wants the chicks I have is to add the broody to the chicks, they will immediately go into mothering mode and try to get them under her, those who aren't interested will peck at the chicks. So I would first see if either or both wants them, just because they hatch the eggs doesn't mean they will always take to being a good mother.
 
How long have they been sitting? Since they are Serama's, they are probably pretty serious about sitting. You can give them some eggs now (that are due to hatch) and they will hatch and raise them. Chickens cannot tell time - they don't know if they have been sitting 3 days or 3 weeks. If you are concerned about them, then you can hatch the chicks and give them to them at night. Be sure to check on them in the morning and make sure they are taking care of the chicks.

Also, what breed are you hatching? Keep in mind a Serama's size. If you give them large fowl chicks, they might not be able to keep them warm until the chicks feather in.
 
Last edited:
They've been sitting for about a week and yes they seem serious lol. I'm thinking I'll keep eggs in incubator as one has already pipped. I am hatching bantam Cochins and a few large fowl Cochins. I could always keep large fowl chicks indoors. I think I'll try putting the bantams in at night once they hatch. I hope it all goes well!
 
akaruby said:
They've been sitting for about a week and yes they seem serious lol. I'm thinking I'll keep eggs in incubator as one has already pipped. I am hatching bantam Cochins and a few large fowl Cochins. I could always keep large fowl chicks indoors. I think I'll try putting the bantams in at night once they hatch. I hope it all goes well!
Click to expand...

Yep, give them the bantams - only 1 or 2 chicks each.
 

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