broody chickens

[AceOfSpadesJJ]

does anybody know how long it takes for eggs to hatch under a hen (not a incubator) and how do you tell if chicks are male or female!!!!

 

[MuscovyMad]

Eggs take the same time to hatch under broody hens as they do in the incubator. Around 21 days.

And for determining whether they are male or female it takes a few weeks before you can see a difference. Usually males develop combs and wattles faster, they have thicker legs and larger feet.

 

[mamabigbird]

My broody has been on her eggs since the 2nd of May. So I guess they should start hatching around the 23rd.
I'm really excited and nervous.
Does anyone know how long after they hatch that they would start looking for food and water?
Right now my broody is in a cut down cardboard box inside a large doghouse so the chicks wouldn't be able to climb out.
Would I remove the box after they hatch? And put shavings on the floor of the dog house? It would be cold on a bare floor in the doghouse.
I don't want hijack this thread but I have so many questions.

 

[ailurophile23]

Yep - they should start hatching about May 23rd. You either need to remove the box or, perhaps easier, just cut a piece of the front side out so they can get in and out easily. The chicks will be looking for food and water almost immediately so have it available. You should have food and water available for the hen anyway so just make sure there is chick feed in the feeder.

 

[mamabigbird]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll just remove the box. I'm concerned that they may get trapped between the box and the walls of the doghouse. When I raised day olds in a brooder they got stuck easily in corners or behind the feeders.
One more question, will the hen take them out in the pen to find food and water or should I try to fit it inside the doghouse?

 

[AceOfSpadesJJ]

let them in a small run to learn how to peck off the floor

 

[AceOfSpadesJJ]

thax

i have leaned that i have 2 leghorn girls and 1 wyandotte cockle!!!!

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