Any Tips for Having a Mama Hen Around?

[LilJoe]

Most likely going to have a broody hatch some chicks this spring!
Any tips or tricks?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The best advice I can give is let her do her job -- it is too tempting for some and good intentions can become interference very quickly. The beauty of a good broody is that you don't need to do anything besides provide her the environment in which to do what she is doing. It's kind of like the ronco rotisserie -- just "set it and forget it". There is nothing more precious that watching a mother hen teaching her brood all about how to be a chicken.

 

[Pork Pie]

The best advice I can give is let her do her job -- it is too tempting for some and good intentions can become interference very quickly. The beauty of a good broody is that you don't need to do anything besides provide her the environment in which to do what she is doing. It's kind of like the ronco rotisserie -- just "set it and forget it". There is nothing more precious that watching a mother hen teaching her brood all about how to be a chicken.

Agreed. It's even easier if the broody is the alpha or a high ranking hen. Here's a thread that you may wish to join - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ody-hen-hatch-a-long-and-informational-thread

 

[LilJoe]

Thank you both! I'll see into that thread.

 

[LilJoe]

The hen would most likely be a silkie (not the dominant hen) and in a separate coop and run...

 

[Pork Pie]

The hen would most likely be a silkie (not the dominant hen) and in a separate coop and run...

If she can still see the main flock, whilst separated, it will ease her re-integration with her chicks.

 

[LilJoe]

If she can still see the main flock, whilst separated, it will ease her re-integration with her chicks. 

The chicks wouldn't be here long anyways.....I don't see the purpose of using a broody if I'm going to sell the chicks...
It'll break her little broody heart




The silkies are in a separate coop than the main flock. The five of them are in sight of the main flock though. (Main flock free-ranges)