Broodiness is Contagious!!!

[ldrchickens]

Came home today to discover 2 more hens have gone broody. 9 eggs under my millie and 5 each under my silkie and oegb. Should I add a couple more to the lesser two to improve hatch results even though it will be a day later?

 

[nchls school]

Combine the original 5 eggs each so the bigger hen has 10 eggs then give the other hen the new clutch of eggs. That way the hatch will not be staggered.

 

[ldrchickens]

Combine the original 5 eggs each so the bigger hen has 10 eggs then give the other hen the new clutch of eggs. That way the hatch will not be staggered.

Thank you! I never even thought of that!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Good luck with your hatch!

 

[ldrchickens]

Good luck with your hatch!

Thank you! I am so excited!!!

 

[nchls school]

Thank you! I never even thought of that!

You are welcome. Good luck.

 

[imnukensc]

Not quite sure I understand this whole thread. Do you have other fertile eggs to place under the broodies? Why not just leave things as they are?

 

[ldrchickens]

Not quite sure I understand this whole thread. Do you have other fertile eggs to place under the broodies? Why not just leave things as they are?

I was just wondering if i should add a few more eggs to increase hatch rates. My other hens will be laying fertilized eggs today.

 

[JedJackson]

I agree with nchls school. Staggering the hatch even by one day can be disastrous, because mom may want off that nest with her newborns before the other chicks can hatch. Combining the eggs under one hen and then putting fresh ones under the other should work out just fine.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I was just wondering if i should add a few more eggs to increase hatch rates. My other hens will be laying fertilized eggs today.

That will cause a staggered hatch which might increase mortality.

Too many broody's at the same time is confusing to them and the chicks. I won't let mine hatch closer than 2 weeks apart to help avoid major chaos.

That means I would break on or both of the other broody's and plan for their next stint... giving them turns to be psycho among the flock.

Good luck whatever you decide!