Broody Hen Thread!

[offgridhermit]

Will Hen get broody within their first year generally?

My Wyandotte that is sitting on a nest is less than a year old. So far she's been sitting on the nest (of 13 eggs), for a week. My fingers are crossed.

 

[roostersandhens]

I would expect her to show up with brood in tow about day two or three. She will be needing an easy source of food and water for them by then...unless she has an easy source for them elsewhere on the property.

Thank you

 

[roostersandhens]

One more question: Are broody hens pretty safe when brooding somewhere unknown outside of a safe predator proof coop or building? I couldn't find her, and I looked everywhere.. I've seen her come out for water twice.

 

[PD-Riverman]

One more question: Are broody hens pretty safe when brooding somewhere unknown outside of a safe predator proof coop or building? I couldn't find her, and I looked everywhere.. I've seen her come out for water twice.

Its just according to what type preditors you have in your area. A broody hen will only stay off the nest a short while-----Sit back and watch and trail her from a distance-----she will lead you right to the nest!

 

[roostersandhens]

Its just according to what type preditors you have in your area. A broody hen will only stay off the nest a short while-----Sit back and watch and trail her from a distance-----she will lead you right to the nest!

I have tried that.. She just gives me the evil eye and waits for me to leave... I was trying to be sneaky too.

 

[ocap]

One more question: Are broody hens pretty safe when brooding somewhere unknown outside of a safe predator proof coop or building? I couldn't find her, and I looked everywhere.. I've seen her come out for water twice.

in the area north of Kansas City, Missouri, USA ,,, no chicken is safe outside the coop even in the daytime, I have had them die of dog, owl, hawk, coyote and Opossum.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have tried that.. She just gives me the evil eye and waits for me to leave... I was trying to be sneaky too.

Be Sneaky-er. Get behind a building, tree, car, etc---LOL.

 

[sniffychicken50]

i love this thread

 

[roostersandhens]

in the area north of Kansas City, Missouri, USA ,,, no chicken is safe outside the coop even in the daytime, I have had them die of dog, owl, hawk, coyote and Opossum.

The only predators we are coyotes, hawks, and we have seen skunks around at night.

 

[PD-Riverman]

The only predators we are coyotes, hawks, and we have seen skunks around at night.

You say that You "Only" Have coyotes and hawks-----these two alone can wipe you out in a little time.