Broody Hen Thread!

[BullChick]

Not always true----I had several broody hens that almost died trying to protect their chicks, head skin picked clean to the skull, combs torn off, dead chicks with crushed skulls from being pecked. Not always Peaches and creams I promise. I feel the breed of chickens the broody is with effects what will happen. I personally never have that happen to my broody hens or chicks killed anymore because I do not let her and the chicks be with the flock for a long time---if ever.

Some people never ever let a hen hatch chicks. One hen was too young, or just a bad mother, and they judge all chickens the same.
I'd rather go by the norm, and realize that chickens are capable of doing what comes natural.
Unfortunately, we humans have bred natural instincts out of them. My broodies share a nest, and share chicks. I pay attention, but don't interfere.

 

[BullChick]

The broody due tomorrow is a coward. She is afraid of her own shadow. I can't stick my hand in the box while she is broody, and the baby can't collect eggs near her box.
In a month, Bonnie will be a coward again.

 

[Crazy For Color]

I have a first time broody silkie sitting on 4 eggs, day 13. I candled them yesterday and didn't see anything but air sacs. I was really hoping that some were fertile since I just had to rehome my rooster which leaves her an only silkie in the flock. Is there still a chance some of eggs are viable?

 

[BullChick]

I have a first time broody silkie sitting on 4 eggs, day 13. I candled them yesterday and didn't see anything but air sacs. I was really hoping that some were fertile since I just had to rehome my rooster which leaves her an only silkie in the flock. Is there still a chance some of eggs are viable?

Yup! For another two weeks!

 

[Crazy For Color]

MotercycleChick shouldn't I have seen signs of life when I candled them yesterday? If they are not fertilized, I want to remove them before they explode

 

[BullChick]

Well, some eggs are hard to see into.
As for them exploding, that will not happen if they aren't fertile. Exploding eggs are the result of bacteria.

 

[Crazy For Color]

Good to know! Thank you!

 

[BullChick]

Still waiting for the first broody's eggs to hatch. I actually looked under her this morning/afternoon.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I have a first time broody silkie sitting on 4 eggs, day 13. I candled them yesterday and didn't see anything but air sacs. I was really hoping that some were fertile since I just had to rehome my rooster which leaves her an only silkie in the flock. Is there still a chance some of eggs are viable?

At day 13, depending on how bright your flash light is and how you are candling, all you will see is dark blob and air cell at one end. Seeing that is a sign that you've got developing chicks, which you probably won't see move unless you stand very, very still and hold the egg for awhile.

Take a regular egg out of the fridge and candle that. You will see the difference. If not...if you are seeing transparent type egg with light shadow yolk moving, then no, you've got nothing.

And yes, blue shells, olive shells, and dark brown shells are very hard to see anything. All you will see is dark blob and air cell with no distinction....if that. Sometimes the shells are do dark to see anything. I usually can see veins on lighter eggs, but not always.

LofMc

 

[nchls school]

A most disappointing day. I was awakened in the middle of the night by cheeping chicks from the coop. I rushed out, but too late. One of my best broody hens and seven of nine new chicks had been slaughtered by a predator.