7 year old hen broody for first time

[Chick Vee]

My 7 year old hen, Janice, has gone broody for the first time. Her partner in crime/bff, Jessie, died about four weeks ago. Janice seemed fine at first, but about a week and a half ago I noticed she was hanging out in the nesting box exclusively. If I try to pet her she puffs up, "yells" at me and tries to peck me. I have never had a hen go broody before. I want to get new chicks and I've read I should wait 21 days before I place the chicks under Janice. My concern is her age. Should I still let her sit that long? I know she must be lonely but I also don't want to rush nature and have her reject the chicks. I do have a brooder, so if I need to I can take over for her.

 

[50-45-1]

Hello and welcome to the backyard!
I see a couple ways to go here.
You coud waIt the 3 weeks and slide new chicks under her, but do you have a source for these chicks when the time comes? They have to be new, no older than 2 days old.
You will also have to giver her some fake eggs in the meantime so she does not give up.
Or you could find some fertile eggs locally somewhere and let her do this naturally.
I just stop at local places i see EGGS FOR SALE signs, and ask if they have a rooster and are the eggs fertle. Sometimes they take me to their coop and gather fresh eggz from the nests.
Again welcome!

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC! Yes, I agree with advice in post #2. If this works out, it will cure her loneliness! Please update us!

 

[Henriettamom919]

I think getting her some babies would be potentially great for her! Just make sure she's getting that once a day speed meal, water and bath break! Good luck!

Edited to add - and keep us posted!!!

 

[Chick Vee]

Thank you all for the help and kind welcome! She is sitting on an egg. I was finally able to spot it yesterday. And, I have a local feed store where I can get the chicks.

My only other concern is the timing. I'm not 100% sure when she first started sitting. We were out of town and my 17 year old son was in charge of her care. When we got home on Monday (Memorial Day) afternoon is when I noticed her in the nesting box. He claims she had been out in the run earlier that day, but I'm not sure. I know he kept her fed and watered but he's really not too observant about anything else. So the process could have potentially started anywhere from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

My 7 year old hen, Janice, has gone broody for the first time. Her partner in crime/bff, Jessie, died about four weeks ago. Janice seemed fine at first, but about a week and a half ago I noticed she was hanging out in the nesting box exclusively. If I try to pet her she puffs up, "yells" at me and tries to peck me. I have never had a hen go broody before. I want to get new chicks and I've read I should wait 21 days before I place the chicks under Janice. My concern is her age. Should I still let her sit that long? I know she must be lonely but I also don't want to rush nature and have her reject the chicks. I do have a brooder, so if I need to I can take over for her.

Aww...She sounds lonely

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So the process could have potentially started anywhere from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon.

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Hens can't count days... tucking them in after dark anytime after about 2 weeks should be good.

All chicks will be at least 2 days old when they arrive at the feed store. My oldest successful adoption was 6 days old. As one of my LFS won't let their chicks go that soon as they wish to ensure survival from the shipping stress. After that the chicks tend to not listen to the broody or bond to her quite as well. I suggest not less than 2 chicks, but 3 is better if you have room.

It's okay to give the whole flock chick feed or flock raiser with oyster shell on the side for active layers. Layer feed WON'T work for chicks though.

 

[SueT]

He claims she had been out in the run earlier that day, but I'm not sure.

The broody hen will get off the nest once a day for a short time. I have one brooding eggs right now, and on a hot day, I noticed her get off for a second time in one day. Ours is sitting on fertile eggs, so hopefully they will hatch just fine. But if not, there are several local options for chicks.
If I were you I would ask the feed store to let you know when the chick arrival day is. We happen to live within fairly short driving distance of a hatchery and can go there on a hatch day, which they post online. Do you know if there are any near you? Also, we have a local poultry swap, and lots of people are selling baby chicks there. Craigslist may be another source.
Post #7 has lots of good advice!

 

[Chick Vee]

Last night was adoption night! It was definitely not a smooth or graceful operation by my husband and myself, but Janice and her 4 chicks eventually settled down. It got pretty cool here last night and was still in the 50's when I checked on them this morning. I saw 2 of the chicks peeking out from under Janice. She is still puffing up, growling, pecking at me and not moving off the nest so I figured I would wait until it warms up a little before I try to check for the other 2 and make sure they are all eating and drinking. Hopefully they are all happy and healthy and Janice will calm down and start showing them the ropes.

 

[50-45-1]

Oh thats great news!
Janice sounds like she will be a good mom.
Congratulations!
Now all we need is pictures.......hint...hint