Broodiness is Contagious!!!

[EggSighted4Life]

Adding that of you are gonna add eggs... collect what you want and stick them under one of the new broody's all at the same time... do not add them to the first hen.

 

[ldrchickens]

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!

Thank you!

 

[ldrchickens]

Adding that of you are gonna add eggs... collect what you want and stick them under one of the new broody's all at the same time... do not add them to the first hen.

For sure. It would be one of the new ones. The original one is already on day 3. I think I am going to combine all of the eggs from the 2 and then put todays batch under one. So it wont be as staggared

 

[nchls school]

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.

If you want more chicks, do as I posted. If not leave things as they are or... It's up to you. But it is a good point about space-do you have enough room for these families? If the three hens get along well they might just well join forces to raise the chicks. It is very common for my serama to do this. I have even seen my turkeys do this when then the poults hatch close together.

 

[ldrchickens]

If you want more chicks, do as I posted. If not leave things as they are or... It's up to you. But it is a good point about space-do you have enough room for these families? If the three hens get along well they might just well join forces to raise the chicks. It is very common for my serama to do this. I have even seen my turkeys do this when then the poults hatch close together.

I will be leaving things as is. I do not want to take a chance of breaking their broodiness since this is their first times they could do it anyways. All three of these girls get along well. I do have plenty of space for them post hatch weather permitting. If it is still super cold and nasty the chicks will be brought in the house and raised with the hatch from my incubator since they will all be due within days of eachother.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If it is still super cold and nasty the chicks will be brought in the house and raised with the hatch from my incubator since they will all be due within days of eachother.

Mamas can still do a great job.

Heck, I would be tucking my incubator chicks under them moms.

I don't like to let hens sit and then take the chicks away that she sacrificed herself for. If they are good enough to sit they've earned it. I did confiscate a couple chicks who had their siblings picked off by a hawk since that mom had proven she was no match for the hawk. But my friends' husband steals EVERY single chick because...

Good luck!

 

[ldrchickens]

Mamas can still do a great job.

Heck, I would be tucking my incubator chicks under them moms.

I don't like to let hens sit and then take the chicks away that she sacrificed herself for. If they are good enough to sit they've earned it. I did confiscate a couple chicks who had their siblings picked off by a hawk since that mom had proven she was no match for the hawk. But my friends' husband steals EVERY single chick because...

Good luck!

I have been debating about that. I would feel pretty terrible to still their babies! More then likely will let them have them since like you said they sacrifice everything to hatch them they deserve to keep their babies! Might even take your advise and let them raise the babies I hatch!