Broody hen raising chicks?

[Micmac1234]

For the second year in a row, which is this hen’s whole life, I have a hen that’s gone broody. She’s very dedicated and last year it lasted months. I’ve never hatched eggs before but I want to buy fertilized eggs and put them under her. She’s also the leader of the bunch… am I setting myself up for failure or can she handle this?

 

[mcdze]

you could try it .. problems i usually have with a broody is one, '4' chickens pile in the nest and an egg winds up breaking and making a mess .. and two, a broody tends to switch nest box seemingly out of nowhere if theres a pile of eggs in another one ..either situation is problem, but if you dont have that kind of problem then it should work just fine .. best thing for a broody around here is a week in the time out pen to break them out of it, then egg collecting is back to normal ..

 

[Tonyroo]

Only do it if you want more chickens. But if you don't then leave her alone.

 

[Micmac1234]

you could try it .. problems i usually have with a broody is one, '4' chickens pile in the nest and an egg winds up breaking and making a mess .. and two, a broody tends to switch nest box seemingly out of nowhere if theres a pile of eggs in another one ..either situation is problem, but if you dont have that kind of problem then it should work just fine .. best thing for a broody around here is a week in the time out pen to break them out of it, then egg collecting is back to normal ..

She’s actually broody on the ground underneath the nesting box, so it’s out of her sight.

I’m actually having a hard time finding fertilized eggs that’ll come in a reasonable time. Do you by chance have any recommendations??

 

[Micmac1234]

Only do it if you want more chickens. But if you don't then leave her alone.

Yep I was looking to add more to the flock and since she’s broody I thought it’d be a perfect way to do it! I just can’t find fertilized eggs.

 

[Tonyroo]

Check Craigslist for your area in farm&garden section.

 

[Micmac1234]

Check Craigslist for your area in farm&garden section.

Great idea! Thank you!

 

[fluffycrow]

You're not doing anything wrong, let her hatch (since you want babies) !

 

[Micmac1234]

You're not doing anything wrong, let her hatch (since you want babies) !

I just have to find some fertilized eggs now!

 

[MountainWoman73]

She’s actually broody on the ground underneath the nesting box, so it’s out of her sight.

I’m actually having a hard time finding fertilized eggs that’ll come in a reasonable time. Do you by chance have any recommendations??

Get some from a neighbor or friend that has a nice rooster. Depending on the rooster and the size of his flock, you may get lower or higher rates of fertility. You can ask the owner if they've ever tried to hatch their eggs before and that might give you some idea of how many to set.