Broody Hen Thread!

[FirewifeJess]

Gave my broody 4 chicks this morning and they're all doing well.

 

[Jharper]

Gave my broody 4 chicks this morning and they're all doing well.

Awesome, I wish I had a couple of BO's. I almost caught one at the Red Barn in Sylvester, Ga. It's a feed, animal store type thing. All of the chickens roam free in the back.

 

[JohnathanLane]

Got my 10 black austrolorp chicks today
hope one is broody when older

 

[erinchelsea]

Hi Jess!

Hi everyone else, too- I have a question I hope someone can answer.

I've got a broody Black Australorp right now and since we have 2 roosters in with our 20 or so hens thought I might try sticking some eggs under her and see what happens. Can't hurt anyway, right? But what is a good number of eggs to put under her? I've been reading a lot but haven't seen that answered! thanks

Erin

 

[FirewifeJess]

Hi Jess!

Hi everyone else, too- I have a question I hope someone can answer.

I've got a broody Black Australorp right now and since we have 2 roosters in with our 20 or so hens thought I might try sticking some eggs under her and see what happens. Can't hurt anyway, right? But what is a good number of eggs to put under her? I've been reading a lot but haven't seen that answered! thanks

Erin

Is she a full grown Australorp? If so, you could probably start with 12 and candle them after a few days (5ish) to see what's developing. When you crack open your eggs to eat them, are they fertile, or are most of them fertile?

 

[erinchelsea]

She's just under a year old, so full size. I think she could handle 12. Candling is a good idea. I'll take all the "free" chicks we can get.

I have the worst time telling fertile from non-fertile so I wouldn't trust my own opinion on that.

We've got 2 very busy roosters though, I think they should be good. LOL!

thanks

 

[FirewifeJess]

She's just under a year old, so full size. I think she could handle 12. Candling is a good idea. I'll take all the "free" chicks we can get.

I have the worst time telling fertile from non-fertile so I wouldn't trust my own opinion on that.

We've got 2 very busy roosters though, I think they should be good. LOL!

thanks

Have you heard how to tell the difference? This blog post is excellent: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search/label/fertile egg
You'd like her Facebook page too probably, I enjoy it! Find it under The Chicken Chick

Australorps are pretty big. I bet you could start with more (like 18) and see what's growing after a few days. If you're going to cull, sell, or eat the boys anyway, that still won't give you all that many new layers for the summer. Make sure you start with fresh eggs, not refrigerated. That will give you a better hatch rate. Have fun!! I need pics too. You know me

 

[erinchelsea]

I tried to take a pic of a few eggs but the lighting isn't good. I've seen explanations like that before, but I'm not very confident. They look fertile to me IMO. And the dog enjoyed his snack, ha ha.

I still want to order some barred rocks and partridge rocks later this spring so I don't want to hatch a ton of mutts, but I think a dozen would be great if most hatch and we eat the roos.


I'm really loving my BA's, they are laying like crazy and I'm thrilled I have a broody.

The temptation to let her hatch some was too great to overcome!

 

[Beginningbreede]

How do I get my hens to do that I have 3 RIR 3 buff orpingtons 1 EE and 1 barred rock

 

[FirewifeJess]

How do I get my hens to do that I have 3 RIR 3 buff orpingtons 1 EE and 1 barred rock

You can't make a hen broody, they just do it when their hormones take over and they decide they want chicks. If you notice them not leaving the nest boxes for several hours, there's a chance they're starting to go broody, but one tell tale sign is when they stay there overnight. You have the best chances with your Buff Orpingtons going broody so keep an eye out!