Broody Hen Thread!

[fisherlady]

It seems like I am having a happy ending after all. I have 2 chicks so far. 1 CL X RIR and 1 CL X Red Star. The CL x CL pipped 3 hrs ago as well, so I am hopeful on that too. So if I can get 3 of the 5 good ones that went to lockdown and especially after yesterday's disaster, I am feeling very lucky and happy. Thank you everyone for giving me support after yesterday's disaster.

Here are some pics. Please comment on the gender if you may.

First two are from CL x RIR- I think its a girl because of no head spot and distinct chipmunk pattern from Legbars but could be wrong.





Next two are from CL X Red Star. I am confused about this chicks gender
Do distinct chipmunk pattern calls for a boy, but then there is no headspot (if Legbar barring trait is carried)
Feather pattern tells me its a girl but I could be wrong. Head is too big for a girl.
Its a big fat girl if she is. Whopping 2 oz (56 grams)





Here is a nice pic of both of the together:

They are adorable!! I have no guess on sexes, I have no experience with the genetics involved so can't help there.... hope the rest finish hatching well for you!

 

[Junibutt]

Sorry, I meant to ask... is this normal behaviour? Should I be steering her back? Keeping an eye on her? It doesn't seem normal from my experience...

If she is a first time broody, she probably is freaked out by the chicks moving under her thinking its a mouse or something. She may actually kill the babies as well or may calm down. You will have to watch her carefully. I would also prepare a hatching box, just in case she does not sit on the nest. She may take the babies after they have hatched.

Meanwhile, since the eggs are being exposed over and over. I would dip some sponges and paper towels in hot water and place around the nest so the chicks don't get shrink wrapped.

 

[vpatt]

I have only had my girls since the first week in September. Today I noticed Jessica was on the nest every time I checked for eggs. She would jump out when I reached in to feel for an egg. This nest is not in the coop tho there are two nests in the coop. When I went out a few minutes ago to tuck them in one was missing! After my first panic I thought to check the other nest and there she was. I carried her and put her in a nest in the coop but of course that would not do......so she is on the roost now. I thought they would probably go broody in spring or summer, but did not think about it happening when the weather is turning cool. I hope she will cooperate in the spring when I want someone to raise chicks.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

I haven't seen many studies/discussion on the topic but I have a curious question: the hen's body takes cues from the day length on whether or not to "cycle"... So then, does supplemental lighting also have an impact as far as more "off season" broodiness?

***not trying to start a supplemental lighting discussion. Was just wondering if anyone has observed a difference.

 

[Tnate]

So my 7m. Old BR has gone broody. No rooster and it's nov. 3rd!!! I thought broodiness happened in spring/summer! I don't have the space for setting up a chicken jail...so what else can I do to break the broodiness. I read placing an ice pack under them works...any one ever have success with it? This afternoon I kicked her out and put a board across the boxes. Man did she squawk! When night came I removed the board because I have an early layer and wanted to make sure she had access....but I know little miss broody will take the opportunity to plant herself. What happens if you just let them be broody?
Thanks for any suggestions or thoughts.
Ps...so far she is still laying.

 

[Manningjw]

So my 7m. Old BR has gone broody. No rooster and it's nov. 3rd!!! I thought broodiness happened in spring/summer! I don't have the space for setting up a chicken jail...so what else can I do to break the broodiness. I read placing an ice pack under them works...any one ever have success with it? This afternoon I kicked her out and put a board across the boxes. Man did she squawk! When night came I removed the board because I have an early layer and wanted to make sure she had access....but I know little miss broody will take the opportunity to plant herself. What happens if you just let them be broody?
Thanks for any suggestions or thoughts.
Ps...so far she is still laying.

Sometimes just removing them from the nest boxes and putting them in the run with the other girls several times a day will break it. It depends on how dedicated she is. The most successful method I have found is the wire bottom cage method or 'chicken jail' as you put it. This method breaks one of my very good broody hens in 2-4 days then she starts laying again in about 2 weeks. One of my hens however WILL NEVER break. I have never successfully broke her, wire cage, water bath, changing her environment, etc nothing worked.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

They generally do go broody in the warmer months but there are many stories of successful winter hatches. As far as breaking her without jail depends on how determined she is. Some hens will set for the 3 weeks and hen their hormones say "your babies didnt make it" and they stop. Others continue on for quite some time.

 

[Manningjw]

Oh, and I have had several hens brood in the dead of winter, snow on the ground and they go broody.

. I even let one of them raise chicks, she did very well despite the cold!

 

[Tnate]

Shes only a couple days into it. What happens if I just let her be? She will range for about 20 mins in the morning and again in the afternoon when the other girls go out but the rest of the time she is in the box..even at night.i think its more stressful for me then her

 

[Tnate]

Her personality is a pretty determined one
Wondering if I should just let her be and hope she breaks after some time.