I have my first broody and today is day 21, so they should be hatching. I really want to be there for the hatching, but what I need to know is if the broody will get off her eggs to let them hatch, or if they hatch under her. This is Indy's first time hatching, but I hatched her and her two brothers, and sister, in an incubator. She is a year old golden pheasant and has been very good on her eggs, never leaving them for too long, only to eat, drink, poop whatever. But if she is going to sit on the eggs the whole time it would be a bit disappointing as I have been waiting 3 weeks for these babies. I managed to candle 1 on day 6, and it looked pretty healthy, and another 1 on day 12 which also looked healthy, but after that I didn't catch her off her nest for a while.
I have never used a broody hen but everyone on here says it's the easiest way to do it. Just relax and let her do her thing, and yes they will hatch with her sitting on them. Good Luck and keep us posted!
Ok thanks, I will try and get a few pictures, but so far nothing yet, except her making a lot of noise
I am going to get a pair of goldens from a friend. I was wondering how big your pen was, to get your female to set. I had ringnecks before and all they did was lay eggs.
She will be sitting on them while they are hatching then she will become hateful to say the least so becareful
It depends on your hen, my girl was good to let me reach under her. She hissed a little but let me do it. I took pictures of the process for my sons school class and put the egg back under her each time I checked. Also being under a broody hen it may not be exactly 21 days, mine hatched at 22 and 23 days.
