Broody chicken in an impossible place

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes, I should have quoted your post OHLD. I see different posts on here about chicks falling out. I think most posts are from people that have never seen it, just worry that it might happen. With yours I had no doubt you had seen it, not just the way you said it but because it was you. I thought you’d give an honest answer so I asked. Thank you.

I think nest configuration has a lot to do with it, either a small tight nest or a nest with a low lip. With living animals anything can happen but I consider it extremely rare with a larger nest and a decent sized lip. With low lips like yours I’ve had hens scratch bedding and fake eggs out. Sounds like you don’t have that problem. Funny how our experiences can differ.

I'm thinking it probably because mine are bantam chicks, they seem more spunky that large breeds at hatch. I have also had them hatch on the floor in an oval shaped cat litter box lid and them little buggers will walk out of that and get stuck behind it, I find hatching a stressful time for me.

 

[mix3dbreed]

I will relay your post to him. I think the nest is deeper then most. Shes a large hen, so thats the only way she can cover 18.

Another problem we talked about was when did she start. And he has no idea. He told me on monday. So she is about a week. Could be more.

About Candling, i dnt think he will do it. But he does need to take some of the duds out. Maybe water candling next week?

Its a hard situation, even for those who are experienced and every solution has the eggs as main concern.

All i can do is ask you guys here and relay your opinions and options and he will choose. It doesnt snow here. but its been cold at least at night. As for predators, just dogs, rats are those that worry him.

He has a nice place and good settup, but he needs to cover that acess up there. If not safe for the chicken,ppeople and chicks.

He will video them a few more time. This might helo someone else in the future.

Thank you for all yous posts here.

 

[mix3dbreed]

Well good news. Some chicks have hatched. He has 5 already. One is a naked neck. He has a few of those.
And hopefully tomorow there are more.

The 5 he took them out and put them in a cardboardbox.

Here they are.

 

[holm25]

Awesome! I had a broody who hatched out some chicks in a nest on the edge of a stack of bales so it was around five feet off the ground and she some how got all the chicks back in her nest every night.

 

[caw555]

Yes, I should have quoted your post OHLD. I see different posts on here about chicks falling out. I think most posts are from people that have never seen it, just worry that it might happen. With yours I had no doubt you had seen it, not just the way you said it but because it was you. I thought you’d give an honest answer so I asked. Thank you.

I think nest configuration has a lot to do with it, either a small tight nest or a nest with a low lip. With living animals anything can happen but I consider it extremely rare with a larger nest and a decent sized lip. With low lips like yours I’ve had hens scratch bedding and fake eggs out. Sounds like you don’t have that problem. Funny how our experiences can differ.

Agreed