Broody Hen Thread!

[weeshanti]

Do you guys think I should put a metal cage in the coop for her and the babies? With their own food and water for a few days? If I do, should I keep it closed all the time (set up like a mini coop with bedding, etc) or should I open it during the day like I do the regular coop?

I agree with Audio51. I moved by broody - nest, eggs and all - into a large dog crate and gave her separate food/water. She and her chicks are now segregated to one end of the main coop, where they can see and hear everyone else, but aren't bothered by the others.

 

[Jharper]

My black Cochin bantam went broody again. I noticed her on the nest last night and this morning she would not budge. She kinda got me a few times on the hand, but only about half her eggs are probably fertile. She has about 15 eggs, too.

 

[chickenlady099]

my hen went broody and i need more eggs for her to sit on or she wont sit does anyone have any fertile eggs in my area any kind will be accepted i will even give some of the chicks back if you want.

 

[Adriennesmom]

Hello everyone! My pet chicken, Olivia, went broody 22 days ago. I am waiting anxiously to see if any of her eggs hatch.

I candled a few of them and found one that was definitely growing and developing and another possible live egg. Several of the eggs have spotted shells and are a little hard to see into. I have not candled for a week and and am hopeful that she has a chick or two hatch. The ones that showed development were actually from a couple of my other hens. One is a silky bantam and the other is a polish bantam. My husband and I talked about the possibility of buying a couple of chicks for her if her eggs do not hatch. She has been so devoted to her nest. Olivia is a Jersey Giant hen. I raised her from a young chick last spring. Does anyone have any input on late hatches or introducing chicks to a broody hen? I would love to hear any ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Jharper]

Hello everyone! My pet chicken, Olivia, went broody 22 days ago. I am waiting anxiously to see if any of her eggs hatch. I candled a few of them and found one that was definitely growing and developing and another possible live egg. Several of the eggs have spotted shells and are a little hard to see into. I have not candled for a week and and am hopeful that she has a chick or two hatch. The ones that showed development were actually from a couple of my other hens. One is a silky bantam and the other is a polish bantam. My husband and I talked about the possibility of buying a couple of chicks for her if her eggs do not hatch. She has been so devoted to her nest. Olivia is a Jersey Giant hen. I raised her from a young chick last spring. Does anyone have any input on late hatches or introducing chicks to a broody hen? I would love to hear any ideas. Thanks!

 

sometimes it will take longer for natural incubation to proceed with hatching b/c the hen gets off the nest. Also, when giving a hen chicks it is best to do so at night, and put them under her, too. More than likely she will except them. Hopes this helps!

 

[Adriennesmom]

sometimes it will take longer for natural incubation to proceed with hatching b/c the hen gets off the nest. Also, when giving a hen chicks it is best to do so at night, and put them under her, too. More than likely she will except them. Hopes this helps!

Thank you so much.

This is my first experience with a broody hen and your information is really helpful. That is great advice about adding the chicks at night. I will check my girl in the morning to check on her progress. I think she will make a great mom! I will post some updates soon. Thanks again!

 

[shardean]

I had 2 hens co sitting 18 eggs..I expected them to hatch last week from when I saw her start sitting. Well today there are 8 chicks! YAY! Not sure if anymore will hatch. Both hens were off the rest of the eggs for a couple of hours this afternoon. I really didn't think any would hatch and almost bought some chicks from the store..glad I didn't!

 

[weeshanti]

Does anyone have any input on late hatches or introducing chicks to a broody hen? I would love to hear any ideas.

Thanks!

Introducing at night is a good idea to be safe. On the other hand, my bantam (devoted to her nest as you describe Olivia) didn't bat an eye when I stuffed three store-bought chicks under her in broad daylight. She actually helped me tuck them under her and clucked to them like they were her own who had wandered off. Maybe it depends on the hen?

 

[el pollo rey]

YAY! One of the eggs have pipped! we are on day 25 now so it was about time. It is the one hybrid (araucana x) i put under her but none of the pures are showing any sign so i hope they show shortly!
Just 2 questions!
-I dont know if they have chicks in them as they were too thick to candle- is this a problem for hatching chicks?
-How long will she sit on the nest after one has hatched? 
-and will the chick be healthy after being in so long? 

Thanks!!!  

I told ya to keep the faith congrats chookin I just returned from the states and logged on for the first time in five days what was the final tally ?

 

[amber t]

I have aBo setting, just started yesterday with 3 eggs. I'll leave some more with her this evening. This will be my first brood, hopefully.