Broody Hen Thread!

[blkjak]

That seems a little long to me. Most of my broodys only get off the nest for a max of 10 minutes or so.

 

[blkjak]

Viability depends on temperature and developement.

 

[fisherlady]

Can a chicken who isn't quite broody just fall out of it? My girl has been outside today for five hours. How long can eggs be left unattended and still be viable?

Thanks.

Yes, they certainly can. It isn't unusual for a younger hen to 'play' at being broody, some do eventually commit, some just give it up and never do it again or go broody for real at a later date.

 

[beginnergirl]

Thanks everyone. I hope little Clover will get over her sort of broody ways. It is in the 40s today so I will let the girls out in the morning. Maybe the cool weather might keep her from sitting on the nest. Spring would be a better time for chicks if she did go broody.

 

[the poppster]

I've found that distraction works well when introducing broody and chicks to the flock...I set them loose into the flock when The flock is free/semi-free ranging in the back yard...I've got a nice collection of bushes and evergreens, rocks and decks...it gives Mom and chicks lots of places to "Hide" if necessary...usually they don't need to Hide...the flock is so preoccupied with the grass, leaves and everything...they don't pay much attention to the new additions. I've got a little gray EE hen with her 3 cream Legbar babies to work into the flock before it snows...might put them into the coop at night...with one of my porta-Nest boxes set up on the floor...they are so small yet.. we'll see...

 

[Halloweengirl13]

I have a feeling this baby is going to be a great mommy when she grows up
She's around 10 or so weeks today.

 

[Honora]

My mama hens decided to leave their 3 week old chicks on the ground and roost with the other hens tonight. A couple of the chicks got up to roost with the mamas but some didn't manage to get up there. Will they be too cold if they are all on the roost? The lows have been in the 40's here.

 

[schmooscontrol]

When mine have done that I put them on the roost with their moms. Within a couple days they will start getting up on their own.

 

[fisherlady]

When mine have done that I put them on the roost with their moms. Within a couple days they will start getting up on their own.

X2 they learn quickly

 

[fisherlady]

Our co-broodies have their crew up on the top shelf...