Broody Hen in Winter?

[Nigel27]

If you move them it will be harder to reintroduce them

 

[ZeeuwR]

I'm curious as to how it's going. Did they hatch yet, what did you decide to do?

I've got a broody silkie who is resistant to all my efforts to break her broodiness, I'm tempted to let her hatch a couple chicks, but I love in upstate NY, and I really don't want to bring her inside and separate her from the flock completely.

 

[ChickyLady124]

I'm curious as to how it's going. Did they hatch yet, what did you decide to do?

I've got a broody silkie who is resistant to all my efforts to break her broodiness, I'm tempted to let her hatch a couple chicks, but I love in upstate NY, and I really don't want to bring her inside and separate her from the flock completely.

Thanks for checking in! One hatched this morning. One is set to hatch in 4 days. I’m thinking we are going to leave them in the coop until the second one hatched then maybe bring them in if it gets cold. I’m honestly not sure what to do. Our flock doesn’t take well to strangers so I am concerned bringing the hen and chicks inside for a considerable amount of time. It’s going to be in the 40s during the day and lower 30s at night. Any recommendations?

 

[ZeeuwR]

I wish I had some advice to impart. This is my first winter with chickens and I'm a nervous wreck. I have given in and decided to let my broody hatch a few eggs. I hope I'm not making a big mistake!

I look forward to your updates.

 

[Willow2253]

Thanks for checking in! One hatched this morning. One is set to hatch in 4 days. I’m thinking we are going to leave them in the coop until the second one hatched then maybe bring them in if it gets cold. I’m honestly not sure what to do. Our flock doesn’t take well to strangers so I am concerned bringing the hen and chicks inside for a considerable amount of time. It’s going to be in the 40s during the day and lower 30s at night. Any recommendations?

They should be fine at those temps outside. I would worry more about the hen getting out of the nest with the first chick before the second hatches.

 

[Stephanie8806]

I’ve been wondering the same thing! Our winter seems to have similar temps as yours. Although we don’t have a rooster right now, we’re hoping we hatch one from shipped eggs in the spring! But one of my hens has picked out her keel feathers so I think she’s throwing some broody behavior. I’m wondering if I’d be able to hatch them under a hen next year if the opportunity arose! Thanks for the thread!

 

[ChickyLady124]

Ugh, chickens. I couldn’t find that sweet baby chick all day so tonight we kicked the chickens out of the coop and that chick is nowhere to be found. We’re pretty sure the other chickens ate her. Our hen is sitting on another egg, set to hatch in three days. We will be moving the two inside for the time being. Here’s a question, we want to move them early but are afraid the hen won’t continue to sit. What’s the best method to handle this?

 

[Stephanie8806]

Ugh, chickens. I couldn’t find that sweet baby chick all day so tonight we kicked the chickens out of the coop and that chick is nowhere to be found. We’re pretty sure the other chickens ate her. Our hen is sitting on another egg, set to hatch in three days. We will be moving the two inside for the time being. Here’s a question, we want to move them early but are afraid the hen won’t continue to sit. What’s the best method to handle this?

Is there a way you could put a dog crate inside your coop? Then your Mama and remaining egg/baby could be inside there, and still with the flock, but protected from the other chickens?

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Ugh, chickens. I couldn’t find that sweet baby chick all day so tonight we kicked the chickens out of the coop and that chick is nowhere to be found. We’re pretty sure the other chickens ate her. Our hen is sitting on another egg, set to hatch in three days. We will be moving the two inside for the time being. Here’s a question, we want to move them early but are afraid the hen won’t continue to sit. What’s the best method to handle this?

It's risky to move them but if they must be moved from where they are now then do it at night, there's more of a chance she'll stay sitting if it's dark. .. Or wait till chick hatches then move them, she'll stay with the chick then.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Thanks for checking in! One hatched this morning. One is set to hatch in 4 days. I’m thinking we are going to leave them in the coop until the second one hatched then maybe bring them in if it gets cold. I’m honestly not sure what to do. Our flock doesn’t take well to strangers so I am concerned bringing the hen and chicks inside for a considerable amount of time. It’s going to be in the 40s during the day and lower 30s at night. Any recommendations?

4 days in between hatching is a long time. If possible, have food and water right beside her so she can show chick where the food is while she's still sitting on the egg.