Broody Hen Thread!

[jenniferlamar70]

Hey guys one of my broody hens has just hatched a few chicks and when I went to check on them I noticed red mites!! I got ivermectin for mama but what can I do for the babys? Should I treat the whole flock? Mama is in her own quarters but it's a part of the main coop. Thanks.

 

[nchls school]

Hey guys one of my broody hens has just hatched a few chicks and when I went to check on them I noticed red mites!! I got ivermectin for mama but what can I do for the babys? Should I treat the whole flock? Mama is in her own quarters but it's a part of the main coop. Thanks.

I have used Sevin 5% dust with good results on new chicks; on the whole flock. I would use the dust on all the birds. With new chicks I dusted the broody hen and the nest boxes-not directly on the chicks. I also dusted all cracks; anywhere the mites could hide.

 

[redsix]

Hey guys one of my broody hens has just hatched a few chicks and when I went to check on them I noticed red mites!! I got ivermectin for mama but what can I do for the babys? Should I treat the whole flock? Mama is in her own quarters but it's a part of the main coop. Thanks.

There is a non-toxic liquid spray that I bought at Tractor Supply.

 

[jenniferlamar70]

I have used Sevin 5% dust with good results on new chicks; on the whole flock. I would use the dust on all the birds. With new chicks I dusted the broody hen and the nest boxes-not directly on the chicks. I also dusted all cracks; anywhere the mites could hide.

Thanks. I called tractor supply and they suggested sevin so I bought it and covered the pen last night. I didn't do mom since I treated her with the pour on ivermectin. Hopefully this works. Should I retreat in a certain amount of days?

There is a non-toxic liquid spray that I bought at Tractor Supply.

I called them but they didn't mention it. If the sevin doesn't work I'll definitely try it. thanks.

 

[the poppster]

So far so good....I've collected various mints, tansy and a few other herbs that bugs don't like....dried and crushed them into very fine crumbles...and add a little bit to the nest boxes each time I go through and refresh the bedding....when I can I use white cedar sawmill shavings as bedding in the boxes and the coop. So far no bugs....I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[nchls school]

Quote:

 

[MilleFleur7]

As of now I have a small mille that's sitting of one (I think) fertile egg. I'm not able to keep many chicks as of living in a small neighborhood. This is my first time trying to hatch with a broody hen, so I'm quite excited. I have some photos of her puffed up with the egg. I have just added water and food to the nest since she hasn't moved in 2 days.

Anything to look out for or any advice?

 

[rebrascora]

What makes you think she hasn't moved? They usually get off once a day for 10-20 mins for a quick leg stretch, bite to eat and most importantly a poop. Whilst broody hens can hold faecal matter for a couple of days, they should not go longer than that.... it stinks bad enough just held for one day! If you genuinely believe that she has not left the nest for 2 days then you need to be encouraging her to do so by lifting her off, rather than putting food and water within reach.

 

[MilleFleur7]

I've been home for 2 days working outside just a bit, so if she has gotten up, I haven't seen. They've all just gone up to roost (shes in the nest still) but I'll go out to remove the water and food once everyone wakes up (they are sure to let me know with their squawking).

 

[redsix]

As of now I have a small mille that's sitting of one (I think) fertile egg. I'm not able to keep many chicks as of living in a small neighborhood. This is my first time trying to hatch with a broody hen, so I'm quite excited. I have some photos of her puffed up with the egg. I have just added water and food to the nest since she hasn't moved in 2 days.

Anything to look out for or any advice?

The hen that we had hatch 3 chicks never left the nest and never touched any of the food and water I gave her. I started taking her off the nest and she would dust herself and eat with the other chickens. Then I thought she was staying off too long.