Broody Hen Thread!

[sonderah]

Congratulations!! I'm totally in love with all of our large fowl broody hens! You will love it!!

Thanks! It always amazes me when I see pics of hens raising large broods! Of course my little silkies cannot cover many, but this big girl sure can! She looks at least 2 times her normal size in there! Lol I'm going to try to move her entire nest box though, so I'll leave the eggs she has until I'm sure she will settle to her new spot, then I'll replace with fresh eggs. The coop they r in is fine for sleepy and laying, but VERY hot & humid to be in there 24/7 for 3 weeks.

 

[Junibutt]

My Australorp hatched eggs 7 weeks ago, took care of chicks for 4 weeks, abruptly abandoned them and started laying and now 3 weeks later she is broody again. During her time with the chicks, she never protected them against the alpha hens, so I am just thinking not to give her any eggs. But then I think since she has experience already, may be she will be a better mom this time.
What do you guys think?

 

[TiaRC]

My Australorp hatched eggs 7 weeks ago, took care of chicks for 4 weeks, abruptly abandoned them and started laying and now 3 weeks later she is broody again. During her time with the chicks, she never protected them against the alpha hens, so I am just thinking not to give her any eggs. But then I think since she has experience already, may be she will be a better mom this time. 
What do you guys think?

Usually broodies get better every hatch.

 

[Penny Hen]

Well I have another broody. Eggs should hatch on the 15th. My first girl, Little is doing well with her 3 chicks. Even though she is not an alpha hen if the alpha hen (Raven) gets too near her chicks she runs in between clucking at her and scurries the chicks off. She is doing a very good job as a first time momma.

 

[Junibutt]

Usually broodies get better every hatch.

I will give her some fake eggs for a few days before deciding.

 

[alibra]

I've been busy! I have 4 blue d'uccle chicks! I also have 3 moms with one baby each! two moms live together. All of the babies are around two weeks old.

Question.... Could i try to put the 4 blue d'uccles with the two moms and their two babies? Would this work or be a disaster?

 

[SD Bird Lady]

How old are the duccle chicks?

 

[alibra]

How old are the duccle chicks?

everyone is around 2 weeks

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Depends on the hen but in my opinion it is too late to graft them.

 

[AmyP716]

I gave my broody silkie, that had no eggs and no chicks two polish chicks that were one week old and she took them right in. So it worked good for me.