Broody Hen Thread!

[Ellaluvsbirds]

FYI: I separated them and put them in a brooder. I went out there and they were all shivering while she stood there. I just feel like it's the best decision. My heart's really broken for her (she's looking for them) and the chicks, but I think this will be best.

I think that's probably the best decision, although it is heartbreaking to separate them. You definitely don't want the chicks to get hurt!
I hope everything goes well,
Ella

 

[PortlandHen]

I think that's probably the best decision, although it is heartbreaking to separate them. You definitely don't want the chicks to get hurt!
I hope everything goes well,
Ella

Oh man. They are calling for her. My heart.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

I had a broody that flung her first hatchling clear across the coop--she was a first timer. I think she was startled, I gave the chick back to her and she brooded 6 chicks and a turkey. I'd put them under her tonight, get up as soon as it gets light and see how she is treating them--if she's still acting unfit then I'd go ahead and take them.

 

[Ellaluvsbirds]

Oh man. They are calling for her. My heart.

That's terrible! Just remember its the best thing to do for them. Eventually they wills tart thinking that you are their momma.

 

[member 129538]

I finally have a broody hen but I never see her get off the nest. I put some food and water in there just in case but I can't tell if she's eating it or just spilling it. If she is eating it then it's very little. I took her off to encourage her to take a break. Of course she was really mad. Then she sat down where I put her and started brooding there! So I put her back in the nest. I do have some fertilized eggs I'd like her to hatch but I'm worried about her health. I'm hoping I'm just missing her breaks. Is there a way to tell if she's not eating or drinking? She seemed alert and cranky as ever.

 

[fisherlady]

I finally have a broody hen but I never see her get off the nest. I put some food and water in there just in case but I can't tell if she's eating it or just spilling it. If she is eating it then it's very little. I took her off to encourage her to take a break. Of course she was really mad. Then she sat down where I put her and started brooding there! So I put her back in the nest. I do have some fertilized eggs I'd like her to hatch but I'm worried about her health. I'm hoping I'm just missing her breaks. Is there a way to tell if she's not eating or drinking? She seemed alert and cranky as ever.

When we get a hen off of a nest and set her on the floor she will set there in a trance for a while before 'waking up' and suddenly jumping up and running around to poo, scratch and drink before going back to her nest. Most hens only set for a minute or so before waking, but a couple of our girls have sat on the floor for up to 5 minutes before they go about doing their broody thing.
Most likely you are missing her breaks... only way to tell is by controlling her access to food and water so you can accurately judge how much is missing each time you check. You can put a hand under her breast and lift a bit to get an idea of her weight and how prominent her keel bone is (breast bone, center of chest)... do this every few days and you will notice if there are changes. To avoid her having trouble you can give her high quality foods with good protein levels... scrambled eggs, baked or boiled fish, tuna, salt free peanutes, sunflower seeds, meal worms, fresh veggies and fruit, etc...

 

[Alaskan]

arg! The broody did a major broody poo all over the nest.

I tried to clean it up, but with her still on the nest. I think I did a good enough job, EXCEPT that she got it on herself too. I tried to get some sweet PDZ on the area to help dry it up.

But she really needs a bath. But the chicks are supposed to hatch out TOMORROW, so I don't want to break her broody right now.

Such a PAIN! I was also hoping that after the eggs under her hatch, I could toss her and the mail order chicks all together ...... except she has a yucky bottom now.

I guess I am just ranting to rant....


sigh

 

[Lady of McCamley]

arg! The broody did a major broody poo all over the nest.

I tried to clean it up, but with her still on the nest. I think I did a good enough job, EXCEPT that she got it on herself too. I tried to get some sweet PDZ on the area to help dry it up.

But she really needs a bath. But the chicks are supposed to hatch out TOMORROW, so I don't want to break her broody right now.

Such a PAIN! I was also hoping that after the eggs under her hatch, I could toss her and the mail order chicks all together ...... except she has a yucky bottom now.

I guess I am just ranting to rant....


sigh

Amazingly, in my experience, they clean themselves up pretty good. I've had broodies do the same thing and wonder what on earth I'm going to do, then after the babies hatch, they run and dust bathe for about 30 minutes, preen, and have done a fairly decent job of tidying. Then they molt...always wondered why they did that then I figured it out...it must be Nature's given way of cleaning up the messy broody...anyway that's what I've concluded after watching my broodies go through all the brooding, then having baby chicks running and pooing through their feathers.... You did the right thing to try to clean around it all as best you could, but don't worry just watch and wait. If she still is terrible, you can bathe her after the chicks hatch and are stable enough to not have momma for a bit.

Lady of McCamley

 

[TiaRC]

Ok so I have a first time Silkie momma. She's not acting like the rest of my broodys. Her chicks hatched Tuesday and here it is thursday and she hasn't left the nest. What can I do to get her to tend to the chicks.

 

[griggy]

I tried candling some of the eggs that are under my broody. I only had a pretty pathetic flashlight and I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for, but I think they definitely look different than they did on day one. So I'm hopeful.