Broody hen...should I hatch eggs?

[Cyprus]

I would just get her chicks. You're racing the clock here to have fully feathered birds by snowfall.

 

[Perris]

I'm planning to put 3 or 4 eggs under her.

I think that's wise for a first timer (you and her both!). And I would keep her with the rest of the flock and not separate her, though keep assessing the situation as it develops and the weather changes.

 

[NNYchick]

How long has she been broody for?
Well, probably about 2 weeks.

Will this be the first time this hen hatches eggs?
Yes. She's actually my first broody hen.

What sort of temperatures do you get nomally in November?
Its the beginning of October right now, but if you want to know about November, the low temp is in the mid twenties. BTW, I could always make a brooder in my basement if needed.

The reason she asked about temperatures in November is the chicks will be hatching in the end of October. I let my broody hatch this time of year last year, she was experienced and did well keeping the chicks warm, however failure to plan 8 weeks out and about temperatures meant below freezing temperatures and dealing with frozen water. Since I had chicks in the coop I could not add my heated dog bowl to prevent it from freezing because I couldn't risk curious chicks jumping on it and falling in and drowning or freezing to death. Also if she is a first timer I would wait till spring incase she bales on the chicks too soon and they have issues with staying warm.
I know you said you could brood in your basement but 2 words for you, Broody's Poo- if you think it smells bad out in the coop wait till you smell it through your whole house. Trust me I tried it once never again will I bring a broody in the house.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm not even sure if I can get fertile eggs from my friend yet. We will see tomorrow. Also, I don't just want to get her chicks. I want to go through the process of hatching the eggs, etc.

 

[Perris]

I want to go through the process of hatching the eggs, etc.

I'm with you on that! it can be a bit of a roller coaster, but it's probably my favourite aspect of chicken-keeping

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I'm with you on that! it can be a bit of a roller coaster, but it's probably my favourite aspect of chicken-keeping

Definitely my favorite part.

 

[Muscovy Wunda]

It's certainly an experience and always fun to hatch your own

 

[aart]

I have 2 other threads about my broody hen about breaking her...I've not been able to yet,

Did you get the crate set up like we advised?
Last I read she was in crate and not happy,
did you ride it out or give up?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/broody-hen.1332983/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/broody-hen-cage-set-up.1334004/

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Did you get the crate set up like we advised?
Last I read she was in crate and not happy,
did you ride it out or give up?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/broody-hen.1332983/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/broody-hen-cage-set-up.1334004/

It was not safe enough for at night, so I had to put her back in the coop. That started it all over again in the morning. Now I want to try hatching eggs. Do you think two weeks in already with make her give up by the time the real eggs hatch?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thanks everyone! I'm reading lots of articles and threads.