Broody Hen Thread!

[n3kms]

Just noticed I have a pip. If I had of known I would have done the Easter HAL. Lol
So these babies will be 5-6 days younger than the ones with Anastasia. Do you think she will accept them? And they can keep up since for a few days they won't really be going anywhere very far from the nest?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Just noticed I have a pip. If I had of known I would have done the Easter HAL. Lol
So these babies will be 5-6 days younger than the ones with Anastasia. Do you think she will accept them? And they can keep up since for a few days they won't really be going anywhere very far from the nest?

I personally have not had good luck trying integrate them when they are at different stages. The hen gets up and begins to teach the chicks how to be chickens at about day 3, but little babies need momma to sit and be still while they get used to the environment. I've had littles get kicked about, and even killed, when momma was up and teaching olders to scratch as the littles kept trying to run under momma while she was scratching, thereby getting kicked about.

So I personally do not integrate if they are over 2 days, at most 3, apart. Just my experiences. You can always try it, but watch close and have Plan B. I haven't had one yet, but I've heard of some mommas who can handle multiple ages, fosters and hatchlings...that will be a very special broody which you will cherish her life long.

LofMc

 

[UrbanFarmOC]

When I went to lock up the chickens tonight after being out all day, I found my 7 month old SFH in the nest. She wouldn't get off when I shoved her and she was sitting on her egg. So, I'm assuming she's gone broody. This is my first time with a broody.

I have a 6 month old SF cockerel and I'd like to try to put some eggs under her. I'm not sure how fertile the eggs will be, since 5 out of my 9 hens are all newer layers at around 6-7months old, and only 1 of my 4 one-year old hens will let the cockerel mate them (the others beat him up when he tries. Lol)

Anyways, should I attempt to move her to her own private area in the coop? She happens to be sitting on everyone's favorite nest box. (I have 9 hens and they have 4 nest boxes.) She might her harassed a bit by the other hens when they come to lay their eggs....is that something I should be worried about? Or, would that just be par for the course? Thanks!

 

[n3kms]

I personally have not had good luck trying integrate them when they are at different stages. The hen gets up and begins to teach the chicks how to be chickens at about day 3, but little babies need momma to sit and be still while they get used to the environment. I've had littles get kicked about, and even killed, when momma was up and teaching olders to scratch as the littles kept trying to run under momma while she was scratching, thereby getting kicked about.

So I personally do not integrate if they are over 2 days, at most 3, apart. Just my experiences. You can always try it, but watch close and have Plan B. I haven't had one yet, but I've heard of some mommas who can handle multiple ages, fosters and hatchlings...that will be a very special broody which you will cherish her life long.

LofMc

That is sort of what I though you would say. I wasn't too sure what age difference might be workable. The first of the two just hatched this morning and the second is still at pip stage. And after watching mom and babies yesterday I think you are most likely right. I have a brooder box ready but was just hoping. These two will be in a bedroom. Three CCL in the garage, nine mixed breed in the grow out coop, the broody and babies in another coop and then the 17 in the main coop. I'm afraid I'm going to forget to feed somebody. lol

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Well, I got to see one fluffy chick yesterday. I hope others hatch soon. My calculations showed Tuesday as the due date but they must have hidden this early egg from me. I am sitting on my hands so as not to disturb the Mamas and see what else is going on under there.

So hard to do!

 

[lacymorgan]

Hi could use some advice here. I have a hen that is going broody and I have eggs for her to sit on. My worry is the nesting box is raised over 18 inches off the ground. Will the chicks fall out and get hurt when they hatch? Should I try to move the nesting box to the ground level or make a ramp for the babies to go down when they hatch. I had not intended for her to be broody but don't want to break her from it now that she is

 

[donrae]

Hi could use some advice here. I have a hen that is going broody and I have eggs for her to sit on. My worry is the nesting box is raised over 18 inches off the ground. Will the chicks fall out and get hurt when they hatch? Should I try to move the nesting box to the ground level or make a ramp for the babies to go down when they hatch. I had not intended for her to be broody but don't want to break her from it now that she is

You can try moving her to the ground, that would be ideal. But if she's persistent, that small a drop is no biggie for chicks. They'll need a way to get back up, or momma may move to the ground at that point. Should be easy enough to rig a ramp or some steps for them to get back to the box. Good luck with your broody!!

 

[lacymorgan]

Ty she is a young Dark Cornish only about 7 to 8 months old and a sweet little bird. I have hatched 4 and have 10 more of her chicks coming in the next couple of weeks in the bator. I will trying giving her some blue copper eggs but not to many she is still a petite little thing

 

[christine9]

Well today is day 20. I thought I had my broody well separated. Maybe not! Somebody brook through the wire and ate the medicated chick starter I had prepped for the babies. Sooo....how long do I chuck my eggs or do I even need to discard them? Ahhhhhhhh! I could kick myself.

 

[blkjak]

Are you sure they wont hatch christine9?