Broody Hen Thread!

[Lifesong Farm]

I had some that were 1-2 weeks old hatch. I did it just for the fun of it.

I just put this one under her since I couldn't find the plastic eggs. I figure it prob won't hatch. Its 3 weeks old. Once I get my eggs in then I will remove it and put the new ones under. If it is developing I guess I will fire up the bator. Lol

 

[cackler]

Should I let them warm up a bit before putting them under her? Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[sgtmom52]

I had an EE (Cuckoo Marans/Ameraucana) go seriously broody on Good Friday so I left her have 10 Ameraucana eggs. She has since tossed out 4 infertile & 1 cracked egg so she still has 5. I marked them as the others keep laying in the same nest box and I take out the new eggs a couple of times a day. She has been joined on her nest by another broody, an Ameraucana. I also have another Ameraucana and an EE that are semi broody all trying to crowd into that same nest or the one beside it. That is 3 or 4 in the same 12" x 12" x 12" nest box! The semi broody ones fluff up and growl, but usually leave the nest when I go in the coop ~ leaving the 2 that are serious. I think that if these 5 eggs hatch they are going to have lots of mommies!

 

[Lifesong Farm]

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I would set them on the counter and let them warm up. She may not like you if you put cold eggs under her. Lol unless of course its hot out.

 

[lottyloo]

As i posted earlier i have 3 broodies and one of them is always under the biggest one, like she thinks she's a chick again!! Is this normal??? what should i do, she is sitting on some eggs now but i keep catching her under Lucy (the biggest hen).

 

[cackler]

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I would set them on the counter and let them warm up. She may not like you if you put cold eggs under her. Lol unless of course its hot out.

That's what I was thinking. She's not in the best mood as it is! So with her being 4 feet in the air in the nest box - do I just calculate x many days after I stick them under her & hope I catch her before she tries to walk them out of the box - that'd be quite a tumble! Do you recommend I take the hatched ones & stick them in the brooder until she hatches everybody - then somehow try to give them back to her? Will she stay on the ground once they hatch?? I'd hate for her to leave them...

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Just thought Id share. This is my broody, Cream Puff. Her chicks are a little over a week old now, and today was the first time she took them outside the coop. She's the best mama ever

 

[SierraView]

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So adorable

 

[FarmerBoy24]

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I would move the hen that keeps going under the broody, she may break some eggs.

 

[FarmerBoy24]

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Nice picture!