Broody hatch.

[stm_96]

Probably fine then...just keep an eye out like you would any broody hatching.

You might find this an interesting read:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-to-look-for-in-a-broody-rooster.882368/

Very interesting! I wonder if mine will show interest in the chicks like theirs did?! I've never heard of a broody rooster!

 

[aart]

Very interesting! I wonder if mine will show interest in the chicks like theirs did?! I've never heard of a broody rooster!

Some males are great 'co-parents'....others can be the opposite.
I'd keep a close eye on them all when hatching begins.
Should be soon, eh?

 

[stm_96]

Some males are great 'co-parents'....others can be the opposite.
I'd keep a close eye on them all when hatching begins.
Should be soon, eh?

Should be hatching Tuesday but I'm hoping tomorrow i see pips! I planned on moving her into a broody coop once the chicks hatch so she can raise them in peace without the others bothering her and the babies.

 

[sourland]

Can they hatch early ? Yes, but in my experience it has not happened this time of year. I have had roosters that have kept their 'favorite' hen company while she set. If they were mine I would limit his access to the nest now that the eggs are about to hatch. It is important that hens at hatching time be not disturbed as the shells of pipped eggs are weakened and if a hen moves around in the nest there is always the possibility of crushing eggs/chicks. Good luck for a successful hatch.

 

[aart]

I planned on moving her into a broody coop once the chicks hatch so she can raise them in peace without the others bothering her and the babies.

I'd leave her where she is.......she's got that boy helping her....but having a back up plan is good.
Where is she now in relation to the coop and the rest of the flock?
Sounds like the flock has free access....and there's been no trouble?
Pics would be good

 

[stm_96]

Can they hatch early ? Yes, but in my experience it has not happened this time of year. I have had roosters that have kept their 'favorite' hen company while she set. If they were mine I would limit his access to the nest now that the eggs are about to hatch. It is important that hens at hatching time be not disturbed as the shells of pipped eggs are weakened and if a hen moves around in the nest there is always the possibility of crushing eggs/chicks. Good luck for a successful hatch.

She is one of his favorite ladies! I'll block the nest off tomorrow or either just shut the gate to their pen when i let them out in the morning to roam and she can be by herself. No one else seems to bother her except him keeping her company.

 

[stm_96]

I'd leave her where she is.......she's got that boy helping her....but having a back up plan is good.
Where is she now in relation to the coop and the rest of the flock?
Sounds like the flock has free access....and there's been no trouble?
Pics would be good

Yes! I will post pics tomorrow! They have free access around 5 1/2 acres, i let them out about 7 a.m. and they go back to roost about 5:45 p.m., the others don't bother her at all, the only time they ever go back is to lay (which hasn't been very often since she's been broody. I wasn't sure if her being broody and being in the favorite box threw them off or if its because its been pretty cloudy and rainy the past couple weeks.) Right now I'm only getting 1 or 2 eggs every other day, they surprised me Thursday i went out and found 5 in the next box over from where the broody is.

 

[aart]

Yes! I will post pics tomorrow! They have free access around 5 1/2 acres, i let them out about 7 a.m. and they go back to roost about 5:45 p.m., the others don't bother her at all, the only time they ever go back is to lay (which hasn't been very often since she's been broody. I wasn't sure if her being broody and being in the favorite box threw them off or if its because its been pretty cloudy and rainy the past couple weeks.) Right now I'm only getting 1 or 2 eggs every other day, they surprised me Thursday i went out and found 5 in the next box over from where the broody is.

I'd leave her be.
Betting the others may have been laying out in range are and are now re-acclimated to the Bitch Broody in the Box .

Is the nest up off the ground?
If so, moving them to the floor might be a good idea....and might want to block nest as hatching starts so the first don't fall out before the last are hatched.

 

[stm_96]

I'd leave her be.
Betting the others may have been laying out in range are and are now re-acclimated to the Bitch Broody in the Box .

Is the nest up off the ground?
If so, moving them to the floor might be a good idea....and might want to block nest as hatching starts so the first don't fall out before the last are hatched.

The nest box is on the ground, not the ground ground lol but i have the nest boxes sitting nicely on bricks to keep it off the dirt.
At first i was just gonna leave her because i felt like it would be less stressful when it came time for her to leave them and they be on their own with the rest of the flock but then i worry about the 5 game hen i have, i don't want them to kill the chicks. :/ but I'll probably just leave them be for right now and once they hatch see how she does with them with the rest of the flock and if i see aggression I'll move her and the babies.

 

[stm_96]

So far one is hatched! Day 20!