Broody Hen Thread!

[Blooie]

Well, went to my town council work meeting tonight and went out to check on things when I got home. Everyone was all settled in for the night so I just entered the coop and then stood stock still. The girls on the roost made a little noise but since I had no light and was being totally still they settled back down almost immediately. Then I just stood there in the total silence and waited. Agatha made this soft little chucking sound and then - and then - there was a faint little "peep" in response. I didn't dare breathe. Was I imagining more sounds because I wanted to hear something so badly? Nope, the little "peep" came again. Just one and very, very faint, but maybe by morning there'll be at least one chick. I'm so excited and hopeful right now.

 

[fisherlady]

Well, went to my town council work meeting tonight and went out to check on things when I got home. Everyone was all settled in for the night so I just entered the coop and then stood stock still. The girls on the roost made a little noise but since I had no light and was being totally still they settled back down almost immediately. Then I just stood there in the total silence and waited. Agatha made this soft little chucking sound and then - and then - there was a faint little "peep" in response. I didn't dare breathe. Was I imagining more sounds because I wanted to hear something so badly? Nope, the little "peep" came again. Just one and very, very faint, but maybe by morning there'll be at least one chick. I'm so excited and hopeful right now.

 

[darkbluespace]

Well, went to my town council work meeting tonight and went out to check on things when I got home. Everyone was all settled in for the night so I just entered the coop and then stood stock still. The girls on the roost made a little noise but since I had no light and was being totally still they settled back down almost immediately. Then I just stood there in the total silence and waited. Agatha made this soft little chucking sound and then - and then - there was a faint little "peep" in response. I didn't dare breathe. Was I imagining more sounds because I wanted to hear something so badly? Nope, the little "peep" came again. Just one and very, very faint, but maybe by morning there'll be at least one chick. I'm so excited and hopeful right now.

So exciting... I've been following and wondered this morning how Agatha's eggs were doing! I love that name. I hope you have babies in the morning!!

 

[Rhandi74]

Well, went to my town council work meeting tonight and went out to check on things when I got home. Everyone was all settled in for the night so I just entered the coop and then stood stock still. The girls on the roost made a little noise but since I had no light and was being totally still they settled back down almost immediately. Then I just stood there in the total silence and waited. Agatha made this soft little chucking sound and then - and then - there was a faint little "peep" in response. I didn't dare breathe. Was I imagining more sounds because I wanted to hear something so badly? Nope, the little "peep" came again. Just one and very, very faint, but maybe by morning there'll be at least one chick. I'm so excited and hopeful right now.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you, Katie, and Agatha. I have a daughter with Aspergers and I wish she would be that interested in the chickens.

 

[TeaChick]

Hi, I have some New Hampshire Reds. I really like them, they're intelligent and friendly and they seem to be good at foraging.
I have heard/read somewhat conflicting information about their broodiness. One site says they're "not very likely to sit on eggs" (which is a step above "not at all likely to sit on eggs") and other places I've read/heard that they're a broody breed. What is your experience?

 

[Angie16hearts]

So 6 weeks ago my Old Game, welsummer mix. I think really not to sure what she is. Anyways pepper started laying for a few weeks then decided she may go broody. So I gave her almost two weeks. 8 eggs 2 golf balls. She couldn't make up her mind. Beck and forth. She would sit for a bit then go play. So I pulled her clutch due to heat and didn't want anything rotting. It will be 6 weeks tomorrow and she has not laid a egg since. Her BFF died that same week. I feed her the best if the best! Will it be much longer before she lays? She is not molting she's all groomed and soft . Thanks for advice in advance!!!

 

[Blooie]

Meet um, well, gee...I'm not sure what his name will be - gonna let Katie name him I think. Only one so far, and none of the other eggs have any pips or holes or noises.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Meet um, well, gee...I'm not sure what his name will be - gonna let Katie name him I think. Only one so far, and none of the other eggs have any pips or holes or noises.

So, so, SO happy for you (and especially for Katie - I have a Katy, my DD)!!!! Congrats to Agatha!

 

[fisherlady]

Meet um, well, gee...I'm not sure what his name will be - gonna let Katie name him I think. Only one so far, and none of the other eggs have any pips or holes or noises.

I couldn't be happier for you and Katie!! Since this little one was late I would give the other eggs an extra day or two before giving up.... when mama leaves the nest with the little one (for more than just a short foray) then you can either check them or pull them.

 

[Blooie]

Katie is one happy little girl. She didn't get to see much but he poked his head out from Agatha's wing and I snapped this just as she looked up at me and said, "Oh, I saw him!" She named him 'Scout' because a friend on another forum said this one must be the scout the others sent out to check things out. She loved that, and decided to name him that because it's good for a boy or a girl. Still waiting on the others,, and will wait for a few more days.