1st time Broody Hatch

[apryl29]

I ran into this last year. I had a broody who hatched 1 chick that disappeared a couple days later. No body, no blood. I have no idea what happened to it, it was there at night, then gone in the am. She continued to be broody. I could tell she wasn't doing that great, she'd lost a lot of weight from sitting. I didn't want to risk her sitting on another set of eggs so I went on Craigslist and bought her 4 chicks (incubator hatched). She raised them then when they were big enough to be on their own, she left them. About a month later she went broody again and I broke her in a cage, she was still very thin and hadn't recovered. If I were you, I'd keep an eye on her and if she does continue to be broody you can either buy her chicks to raise, let her sit on more eggs, or break her. I'd consider her health if you're going to let her sit on more eggs. After sitting on a nest for 3 weeks another 3 weeks will be hard on her.

 

[HolliG]

It is not you fault either

Thanks for that! I know there are many variables. She’s just over a year and the rooster is just 7-8 months old. I’ve never owned chickens before 3 months ago, so this was new for all of us. The fact we made it to hatching was a success in my eyes! I’ll be doing more research and will be better prepared next time.

 

[t3wine]

Thank you! All very helpful. She initially sat on 4 eggs but they weren’t all fertile. Of the two that were, one has hatched but appears to not have survived. I went out to check on them and momma wasn’t on the nest, but another hen was. The second is in the process of hatching. Looks to be breathing and making progress. All my hens seem to be on edge this morning. Chalk it up to a learning experience. I’ll do more research and be better prepared next time.

CHicks drown easily! I put rocks in the bottom of my water in case they fall in.

 

[HolliG]

CHicks drown easily! I put rocks in the bottom of my water in case they fall in.

Neither chick fully hatched, but that’s great information to know for next time. Thank you!!

 

[JMotuzick]

Just figured I’d add that our hen has been a great mom! Twice in on day I noted a chick that had fallen to the floor, I placed them back with mom and added a small piece of HC so they wouldn’t fall again. Mom has them using a horizontal water nipple. I removed the nest in hopes of them being more comfortable with mom on the floor. Hoping to move them down ina few more days....