Broody bantam

George8207

In the Brooder
Nov 3, 2016
30
4
27
A bantam was among the hens I bought. Last week she had a bloody beak and comb, I guess from being put in her place. She took over one of the laying boxes and I allowed her to remain there to heal. However, it turns out that she is broody and wants to set. I have been removing the eggs against her will, but am wondering if I put a few eggs under her would she be able to raise them since they would hatch in February which is the coldest month in North Carolina. I do not have a brooder or a place where I can provide outside heat. Your advice is welcome.
 
I live in South Eastern, NC which has mild winters but February can get very cold. So far this year we have had very mild weather. It was supposed to get down to the teens this past weekend but barely got below freezing. It has dropped into the teens in past years but generally for only a few days.

I use 5 eggs per day but got six yesterday and today so have a few to spare. There is a total of 12 hens, including her, which means I should begin getting even more eggs. Spare eggs are shared with neighbors. She had been laying for about a month. She got off the nest long enough to eat and drink but got right back in the nest and "growls" at me when I look under her. Sometimes other hens will squeeze into her next and lay their eggs. There are 3 egg boxes so no reason a hen would have to crowd in with her.
 
Thank you for your input. I may let her sit on a couple of eggs, but if they hatch will the chicks freeze before they get adequate feathers?
 
Thank you for your input.  I may let her sit on a couple of eggs, but if they hatch will the chicks freeze before they get adequate feathers?

That really depends on her and how well she takes care of them. Some are very attentive and make sure to let their chicks warm up frequently while others seem too forget they have chicks to take care of. If you have a small area to confine them that would be best. I have dozen sure to hatch in a week and I plan on keeping them all confined in my 2'x4' outdoor brooder for at least the first week, and keep a heating pad in there for a second place to warm up (I don't use heat lamps, even with chicks with no broody mama).
 

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