Broody Hen Thread!

[fisherlady]

My chicks are now 4 days old. Mom and chicks are out of their cage and into the main coop now. Hurray!

I have 7 BO and 3 Speckled Sussex, all 10 months old. I'm really hoping there is at least another broody in the bunch.

Did anyone here after hens that did not go broody until they were 10 months or older? When I do searches, all I keep finding is people discussing how their hens went broody right after they started laying eggs.

Many hens never go broody till after they are 2 years or so, there are a few breeds who are known for going early, such as Silkies and cochins.... I was lucky and my Silver Pencil Rocks went early, but that is certainly not the 'normal'
Slow maturing breeds, such as BO's would be more likely to be a bit older.... I believe they aren't even considered mature till after they are a year old anyway. Don't give up hope yet!

 

[jammyjammy2112]

hello my red hen just went broody and i have a question
i have eggs in my incubator with 3 days would it be safe to move the eggs for a less then 2 minute drive to her thanks
she is a red hen i got her for laying i dont no if they have names just red hen thanks

 

[kkormos]

My chicks are now 4 days old.  Mom and chicks are out of their cage and into the main coop now.  Hurray!

I have 7 BO and 3 Speckled Sussex, all 10 months old.   I'm really hoping there is at least another broody in the bunch. 

Did anyone here after hens that did not go broody until they were 10 months or older?  When I do searches, all I keep finding is people discussing how their hens went broody right after they started laying eggs.  

I have never had broody hens that were younger than a year old. My first broody hen was two years old and many followed after that. I did notice that younger ones (barely one year old) started going broody if there was an older hen broody.

 

[philipchickymad]

I have never had broody hens that were younger than a year old. My first broody hen was two years old and many followed after that. I did notice that younger ones (barely one year old) started going broody if there was an older hen broody.

I have a not even 1 year old gold brahma broody hen

 

[Morrigan]

Good to know about Buff's being slower to mature and go broody. I feel like I've learned so much from this broody experience, I'm eager for another.

Ironically, the one BO who went broody at 9 months, is the smallest of my BOs and looks really immature with an almost non-existent comb and wattle. She was the last to start laying. I was shocked when I saw that SHE was my first broody. Also, for the longest time she a loner chicken, always on the flock's fringes. Than I had to put down a Sussex who was a bit of a bully due to an impacted crop. As soon as that chicken was gone, she began working her way up in the pecking order and is firmly in the middle now. You just never know.

 

[Dknichelson]

No babies for us yet today.

But, my broody is acting different. Shifting her weight/repositioning more and more vocal. I don't know if this means she feels them moving or if it means nothing. lol! But, hopefully we'll start seeing some sweet fluffy silkies tomorrow!

 

[fiddlebanshee]

One of my welsummers of 9 months old is very broody. She's sitting on 6 eggs. We'll see what comes of it.

 

[fisherlady]

No babies for us yet today.

But, my broody is acting different. Shifting her weight/repositioning more and more vocal. I don't know if this means she feels them moving or if it means nothing. lol! But, hopefully we'll start seeing some sweet fluffy silkies tomorrow!

My broody starts 'talking' to her eggs quite a bit the last day before hatch, it is the most reliable sign that 'delivery is imminent'. LOL... when my dog hears that she is glued to the coop waiting to see new babies (My dog absolutely adores the babies, and considers it her job to supervise all new additions

)

 

[K Spot]

My broody starts 'talking' to her eggs quite a bit the last day before hatch, it is the most reliable sign that 'delivery is imminent'. LOL... when my dog hears that she is glued to the coop waiting to see new babies (My dog absolutely adores the babies, and considers it her job to supervise all new additions

)

Adorable!

I've noticed that when hatch day is close. my broodies get a LOT more protective of the eggs.

My Welsummers and Speckled Sussex have gone broody a few times before I've let the Wellies actually sit and hatch, all are over a year old now but I guess they were around 9 months old when they first went.

My SS is broody again, but it's coming into winter now here so I won't let her hatch. She'll have to wait til it gets warmer for her own brood.

 

[sonderah]

My Silkie "bit" me for the 1st time today when I tried to check her eggs. I wanted to candle them, but I didn't want to upset her so much that she may crush one. Guess I'll have to just wait til they arrive. Lol