Broody Hen...how do you count day 1

[MuskokaChick]

I have 2 silkie hens and one of them is sitting...she was sitting off and on yesterday, so I didn't think she was broody quite yet...

This morning I opened their pen and she ran off the egg ran outside and did the biggest dump I have ever seen...gross and then she ate a few bites and back on the eggs...she has come off for nothing since so it is safe to assume tomorrow is day 1? There were 11 eggs between them yesterday...and I haven't been able to count to see if they have stopped laying today...

I also have 8 in the incubator (day 9) with 5 of them with moving chicks.

Just wanted an idea when to expect her chicks...

tia

 

[Zaxby's2]

Today is probably day one but since a brood can have chicks hatch over the course of a couple days then it shouldn't matter too much.

 

[MuskokaChick]

I just went out to see if I could lure her off her eggs with some of her fav treat (cooked rice) and she just puffed up and growled...

I am thinking tomorrow would be Day 1, if she stays put for the most part right?

What is a normal time for her to be off the nest per day??? 30 min? longer...less?

atia

 

[MuskokaChick]

Zaxby's2 :

Today is probably day one but since a brood can have chicks hatch over the course of a couple days then it shouldn't matter too much.

ok cool...thanks