Broody Hen Thread!

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes Sudden changes, new location, etc----she probably want go for it. Thats why if I had to change her to a milk crate(this is what I use---with the front almost cut out of it---you can use what ever you want) I do not change her location till she is ok with the nest box change. Most all my nesting boxes are milk crates----then all i got to do is move mine at night. Tried moving one almost at dark----NO WAY. Never had a problem after dark----as long as I kept the light off most of the time. Here is a picture of one of my chicken tractors----hope you can see the milk crate nest-----how I got the front cut.

Nice set up...I can see the milk crate working ideally for moving when a hen settles to brood in one.

What do you use to cut them with? I presume a small saws-all or something of the like?

Lady of McCamley

 

[PD-Riverman]

Nice set up...I can see the milk crate working ideally for moving when a hen settles to brood in one.

What do you use to cut them with? I presume a small saws-all or something of the like?

Lady of McCamley

I use a jig saw-----I leave a few inches at the bottom to help keep the hay in and taper the cut from the top towards the bottom. I can take a closer picture---if some of you need it.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I use a jig saw-----I leave a few inches at the bottom to help keep the hay in and taper the cut from the top towards the bottom. I can take a closer picture---if some of you need it.

If you have time...I'd like to see a close up...when you got a moment.

I am rethinking my left side bin and thinking what to use for a better nest insert...I prefer cheap...AND I do have a milk crate hanging around not being used for anything much.

Lady of McCamley

 

[PD-Riverman]

If you have time...I'd like to see a close up...when you got a moment.

I am rethinking my left side bin and thinking what to use for a better nest insert...I prefer cheap...AND I do have a milk crate hanging around not being used for anything much.

Lady of McCamley

I buy the milk crates at Auctions for usually $1 each----I have about 200 of them with about 100 in use. I will try to remember to take that picture tomorrow.

 

[PD-Riverman]

Makes sense! When I do check her eggs, I always leave 2-3 eggs from the other hens and 2 golf balls for her to sit on while I count her clutch. She has no problem with me doing this. She does try to steal eggs from her original nest. I try to do it careful and fast. So this may will be the route I take! Then the other hens won't lay on top of her.

at first I thought she was stealing eggs. She's just not budging out of all 10 hens favorite nest. I hope my temporary set up works for the day

I do not understand what you are doing/saying here. Do you have her set yet? Wondering why you are counting the eggs?

 

[PD-Riverman]

Nice set up...
Lady of McCamley

The picture is of one of several chicken tractors I have----This one does have to be moved with the farm tractor, But it only takes 2 minutes to move it. Its 10 ft x 21ft long---built on a boat trailer frame. Heavy duty chainlink fencing---I move it around the farm---anywhere I need a spot cleaned. Them chickens do a good job!



Here is another picture.

 

[Angie16hearts]

I do not understand what you are doing/saying here. Do you have her set yet? Wondering why you are counting the eggs?

I just separated the coop this morning.
But she is still in original nest.

I have been checking her eggs when i get home from work. Because the other girls have been adding to her clutch. This is sudden for me and my first broody. I tried to move her a few days ago and that did not go well. So I was waiting for my husband to divide coop then make a new broody coop. However he is gone intel Friday.

It worked! Yay! I gave pepper less space at the entrance. Trying to get my bigger hens to avoid her and walk through the bigger side of the entrance. I'm glad it worked.
I'm definitely going to get some crates. Great idea!
Thank you and Lady of McCmaley! You both have been so helpful.
I hope I have not bugged you to much

 

[Angie16hearts]

Yes Sudden changes, new location, etc----she probably want go for it. Thats why if I had to change her to a milk crate(this is what I use---with the front almost cut out of it---you can use what ever you want) I do not change her location till she is ok with the nest box change. Most all my nesting boxes are milk crates----then all i got to do is move mine at night. Tried moving one almost at dark----NO WAY. Never had a problem after dark----as long as I kept the light off most of the time. Here is a picture of one of my chicken tractors----hope you can see the milk crate nest-----how I got the front cut.

I would love to see your set up a little closer. That way I can rethink my coop. I only get my handy man two days a week. He's just going to love me!

 

[Pure Poultry]

Tomorrow will be day 18 of the sitting and this is our first time doing this and I'm so excited but nervous as well

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have been checking her eggs when i get home from work. Because the other girls have been adding to her clutch.

Is the eggs she has been setting on fertile eggs?

Are they the ones you want her to hatch?

If so---Do You have the original eggs from the first day she was set marked Or are you just leaving her some eggs to hatch, removing some eggs-----------every day you check under her?