Broody hen, hatching imminent, advice please

[Imelda]

I have a broody hen sitting on 5 fertile eggs, purchased from a breeder as I don't have a cockeral. They are due to hatch as of tomorrow, if all goes to plan?! At the moment we have been lifting her off the nest twice a day to encourage her to eat and drink otherwise she wouldn't get off them. Does anyone have any advise about the next crucial days, wether we should carry on lifting her off, we don't want to harm chicks if they are hatching. How long can she go without food and water.

Many Thanks

 

[Sjisty]

I would just let nature take its course. Once the chicks in the eggs start preparing to hatch, she probably won't get off and needs to stay on to keep the heat/humidity just right. If it is hot and you are really worried, try holding up a bowl of water to her and let her drink some a few times over the next couple of days.

Good luck - sending good hatching vibes your way!

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
I gree with Janice-leave her be so close to hatch time-She will eat and drink when she needs to-we promise

 

[pgpoultry]

I have a hen who does not leave her eggs unless she is lifted, but I leave her alone from 2 days before the expected hatch date, placing food and water close to her at this time. as soon as I hear cheeping, I place pebbles in the water (to avoid chick drowning) and chick starter nearby.

My hen has three eggs which may hatch tomorrow and i have not lifted her since yesterday.

 

[Imelda]

Thanks for advise, it's our first time, really hoping she has some success!We're in England, don't thinks there's much chance of her getting too hot and the summer seems to have passed us by!!

Thanks for positive vibes, feel like it's me going through it not her!

 

[Kaitie09]

I have a broody that never gets off the nest either. I ended up taking a chick feeder and water container and putting it in her nesting box with her. At least then I know she is eating and drinking.

 

[chixbreastrbest]

i am new to chickens as well...i started with 6 chickens and im pretty sure 4 are roosters!....i want as least 5 or 6 chickens
to keep each other warm in the winter! any suggestions on this raising em

 

[sheila3935]

Sending good luck with your broody momma. They know what they are doing.Just keep food and water close so she doesnt have to get off the nest. As for summer passing you by... if you send some cool this way I'll send you some heat. It has been in the 90's with haet indexes in the 100's for a month. Unusual for us. I lost a bantam rooster last weekend to the heat. I'll be glad when summer is over.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Please start your own topic so your post doesn't get lost in this thread. Thanks!

 

[Imelda]

Thanks to one and all for the advise about my broody hen sitting on eggs. I'v just checked on her and sat quietly and two little yellow heads popped out from under her! So sweet! I held a dish of water to her but she wouldn't take any, just sat puffed up and defensive. She wouldn't take meal worms either which are normally her favorite. I know it's happened a million times before but how long should she be left before I intervene or will she do it of her own accord? Don't want her getting poorly.

Thanks once again, worried step granny?!