Broody Hen Thread!

[cscarney]

At least they're going broody in the spring. I had a Phoenix bantam go broody in DECEMBER last year. Obviously she hadn't read all the chicken books (grin).

She hatched 10 babies in early January, raised them up, then immediately started another clutch in mid-March while still letting the chicks from the December hatch snuggle with her at night....We're thinking of naming her Superbroody.

Can't wait to see all of your chicks!

 

[16 paws]

First time chicken owner with broody hen. Um...yeah. She is a silver laced wyandott. I have no clue as to what I am doing. I will do research, but for the most part, I will have to trust she k

 

[16 paws]

First time chicken owner with broody hen. Um...yeah. She is a silver laced wyandott. I have no clue as to what I am doing. I will do research, but for the most part, I will have to trust she knows what she is doing. At least is not snowing anymore.

Glad you made it to this forum, there are many experienced brooders here. Feel free to ask questions that may pop up as you go. The best advice I can give you is this:
GET A BIGGER COOP!!!!! YOUR GOING TO NEED IT!!!!
This is highly addicting

Dont say we didnt warn you

Marie

 

[16 paws]

Sorry about my posting in weird places.....duh.....

Here is the latest......
I need a crowbar to lift that girl to see anything!!!!! She is sitting so tight it is riduculous

After almost getting my hand pecked off I did manage to see five little babies in there

So some of my blue eggs have hatched.

Now does that mean if they are pullets they will lay blue eggs? Dont know how that all works.....

someone help me......

 

[16 paws]

Yeah, I'm surprised they didn't stay by mom either. Little devils. I just got back from a dental check up and found our 3 week olds begging to be let out along with Mom so I let them out in their pen and they immediately ran for the dust bath hole and dove in. Not all that warm out today but they seem to be enjoying themselves.

Thanks for the terminology clarification cscarney. Saddle feathers are the ones that always confuse me. I always confuse them with Sickle feathers for some reason.

My chicks surprised me a couple of days ago when they were out with mom in their little pen. One of the roosters saw a small hawk fly across the yard and immediately let out with a deep warning growl that roosters make. Those chicks immediately stopped their sunning and dirt bathing and without urging from mom, jumped up and ran into the coop. They didn't run for mom, they headed for home and didn't come out until mom coaxed them to join her back outside.

So is response to the warning call inherent or learned? Mom sort of shuffled after them but they took their cue from one of their daddies.

I would guess inherent since they know it already,,,,How cute is that? Them all running back to safety....

 

[16 paws]

fisherlady,
Thanks for the pictures. They really think their something on that big roost dont they? I love it when I hear stories of adoption

 

[MulberryRowFarm]

Thats good to know. I think we are going to be okay for weather. How long do they sit on the eggs?

 

[MulberryRowFarm]

Thank you for that coop advice 16 paws. I figure i will be searching the site firdt, then ask the remaining questions. That wsy i dont waste folks time.
D

 

[16 paws]

Thats good to know. I think we are going to be okay for weather. How long do they sit on the eggs?

21 days but if they are bantam eggs they usually hatch sooner by a day or two
Good luck

 

[16 paws]

Thanks Microchick,

I will get some pictures tomorrow after I get my hand bandaged up.....