Broody Hen Thread!

[fisherlady]

I just want up say last time I let a broody try to hatch eggs everything went wrong. My hen got locked out of her nest, the nest got soaked with water... The eggs didn't make it. I have two other broodys about a week in and everything seems fine. Today I go outside and my cat is chasing an obviously newly hatched baby chick. Maybe a day old. What the heck?! None Of my hens are missing, I can't find a rogue nest, and no other chicks. Just the one. I'm carrying it around everywhere because it hates to be alone. Where did it come from???? (sigh). Off to rural king tomorrow to see if they have any buddies left.

Sorry the last hatch was so rough, much better sounding with the new round other than the sneaky egg.
Hens seem to make an art out of hiding eggs and apparently retrieving them also! Sounds like that may have happened... you are already doing the best option from what you described... fingers crossed that you manage to find the little one some friends.

 

[sonderah]

I just want up say last time I let a broody try to hatch eggs everything went wrong. My hen got locked out of her nest, the nest got soaked with water... The eggs didn't make it. I have two other broodys about a week in and everything seems fine. Today I go outside and my cat is chasing an obviously newly hatched baby chick. Maybe a day old. What the heck?! None Of my hens are missing, I can't find a rogue nest, and no other chicks. Just the one. I'm carrying it around everywhere because it hates to be alone. Where did it come from???? (sigh). Off to rural king tomorrow to see if they have any buddies left.

I wound up with 1 lonely chick awhile back. I was like holy cow! Its gonna be freaking out ALL the time!! Lol So I put a stuffed kangaroo in the brooder turned upside down, like laying on its face, my chick is a happy little camper! Sleeps under it, snuggles it, sits on top of it. U could maybe try something like that? I should have a few more hatching Monday, so then I'll just add those. The kangaroo is covered in poop, but I've used it several times. I just rinse it off really good with a water hose, then toss it in the washer. Looks brand new, & can be someone else's buddy!!

 

[annanimal]

I have a lonely chick as well three days old. I have him in a brooder but he does get lonely so I added a hot water bottle with a fuzzy cover and he LOVES it!

 

[julie0477]

Hot water bottle is a great idea! I did try a bear and he/she didn't care for it. I found someone near by with day old chicks. I think the best solution for me is to just get a buddy. Poor thing. Thanks everyone for your help! I'm still baffled about how this little thing hatched but oh well. I'll probably never know.

 

[julie0477]

Funny end to my story. I DID get another chick friend. Then I realized wait... Why doesn't mystery chick have a comb? What is that bump on its head? It's not an EE chick it's a flipping orphaned wild turkey I found in my yard! Lol I gave my actual chicken chick to a broody hen who is very happy now, and I'm sending my baby turkey to a friend of mine that rehabilitates wildlife. And she has turkeys. I'm such a dork. Mystery solved.

 

[luvmypets]

Its ok at least it goes to a good home!

 

[sonderah]

Funny end to my story. I DID get another chick friend. Then I realized wait... Why doesn't mystery chick have a comb? What is that bump on its head? It's not an EE chick it's a flipping orphaned wild turkey I found in my yard! Lol I gave my actual chicken chick to a broody hen who is very happy now, and I'm sending my baby turkey to a friend of mine that rehabilitates wildlife. And she has turkeys. I'm such a dork. Mystery solved.

LMBO! That sooo sounds like something I would do!!! Glad u got it worked out!

 

[LisaLouHoo]

LMBO! That sooo sounds like something I would do!!! Glad u got it worked out!

Haha. Reminds me of the ugly duckling story. Happy ending for that little turkey.

 

[abserbean]

My broody is finally starting to calm down! She has been like a crazy chicken with her chicks, pecking us and acting super aggressive. She's been a great mom though, so we kind of let her bad behavior slide. I was starting to worry that this was her new personality though, but the chicks are five weeks old now and she is doing much better. Today she even squatted for me and for my son! I notice signs of her starting to "wean" the babies, although she is still looking out for them and calling them for treats. Last night only four of the seven slept under her, the other three roosted beside her. Also, she is now eating treats herself. She used to just call the chicks over but not eat any, but now she's taking her share. How soon after "weaning" does a hen start to lay eggs again? Also, Iv'e noticed that the ones that I know are pullets are more independent, and my for sure roo still sticks to mom super close. Yesterday he was separated from mom and was totally freaking out! I have to find him a new home soon, hopefully he can move okay!

 

[sonderah]

My broody is finally starting to calm down! She has been like a crazy chicken with her chicks, pecking us and acting super aggressive. She's been a great mom though, so we kind of let her bad behavior slide. I was starting to worry that this was her new personality though, but the chicks are five weeks old now and she is doing much better. Today she even squatted for me and for my son! I notice signs of her starting to "wean" the babies, although she is still looking out for them and calling them for treats. Last night only four of the seven slept under her, the other three roosted beside her. Also, she is now eating treats herself. She used to just call the chicks over but not eat any, but now she's taking her share.  How soon after "weaning" does a hen start to lay eggs again? Also, Iv'e noticed that the ones that I know are pullets are more independent, and my for sure roo still sticks to mom super close. Yesterday he was separated from mom and was totally freaking out! I have to find him a new home soon, hopefully he can move okay!

Him's just a Momma's Boy!! Lol