Broody Hen Thread!

[abserbean]

My broody took her chicks out in the yard today, they were scratching and having a great time! She took a dustbath, and two of the chicks starting taking one too. I gave them some treats, and she called them over, broke them into little pieces, and barely even ate any herself. I'm so glad she's such a good momma, even if she did peck the heck out of my leg when I tried to snuggle one of her chicks! She doesn't normally mind, but he was peeping up a storm and she had to defend him.

 

[Junibutt]

I have an Australorp who has been sounding like a broody for 2 months now but lays an egg 6 days a week. For the past few days she is growling as well at other hen but still laying. Does not sit in the nest longer than necessary though. How can I encourage her to go broody.

 

[fisherlady]

I have an Australorp who has been sounding like a broody for 2 months now but lays an egg 6 days a week. For the past few days she is growling as well at other hen but still laying. Does not sit in the nest longer than necessary though. How can I encourage her to go broody.

There is little you can do other than provide a couple of tempting locations for her with fake eggs in them (golf balls or ceramics work well)

Hens like kind of shadowy, protected locations out of the wind... they certainly sometimes choose regular nest boxes, but often you will find them hidden away in very 'un-nesty' places that are dark, secluded and quiet.

 

[chickengirl2014]

I got Silke eggs on The way from a hatchery and a 4 (i think) month old BO hen so i think im gonna have Some broodies... Cant wait i Will be back hear then!

 

[Bogtown Chick]

It feels like forever since I've posted about my Silkie being broody. But FINALLY, I have the hatching eggs I want to set her with--well 4 of the 7 and the rest should be at the post office tomorrow. I have her in her new little "Broody Bungalow" tonight and will make sure she's settled and put the eggs under her tomorrow...so her hatch day will be Memorial Day! She's done great the last two weeks waiting for me to get my act together. Taking care of herself, eating, drinking, getting up, setting, dealing with a RIR that wants to stand over her all day and now hopefully a move won't be a big deal--given the privacy she now has and getting all these new eggs under her. Bless her heart.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

It feels like forever since I've posted about my Silkie being broody. But FINALLY, I have the hatching eggs I want to set her with--well 4 of the 7 and the rest should be at the post office tomorrow. I have her in her new little "Broody Bungalow" tonight and will make sure she's settled and put the eggs under her tomorrow...so her hatch day will be Memorial Day! She's done great the last two weeks waiting for me to get my act together. Taking care of herself, eating, drinking, getting up, setting, dealing with a RIR that wants to stand over her all day and now hopefully a move won't be a big deal--given the privacy she now has and getting all these new eggs under her. Bless her heart.

Wishing you (and her) the greatest of luck, and the gentlest of postal carriers.

Lady of McCamley

 

[Junibutt]

I have an Australorp who has been sounding like a broody for 2 months now but lays an egg 6 days a week. For the past few days she is growling as well at other hen but still laying. Does not sit in the nest longer than necessary though. How can I encourage her to go broody.

She does have a hiding spot, I will try making a nest with fake eggs there to see if she sets on them.

 

[sonderah]

My broody's were crazy last night! I have 1 Silkie momma and 1 blue slate turkey hen momma.

At lockup time last night I looked into the broody nest and 2 of 3 of the silkie's babies were there all alone! Got to looking and she was sitting on 1 baby in the corner of the regular coop, which is 4 feet off the ground!!! I took her and her baby and put them back in the broody nest. How did that 1 1/2 week old chick get up there?!?!?!

My broody turkey momma decided to just sleep outside on the ground with her babies last night! But at least she had them all, & they were warm and cozy! Idk y! They have all learned to get into the nest just fine in the week since they hatched.

 

[mollybuck]

yea! I think i can join now! I have a silkie sitting on eggs now. She has before but she didnt stay, so I was hesitant, but she sat all weekend and was still there this morning!! I will check tonight to see how many she is on,but I am wondering if I can swap a few out. i have silkies in the incubator so I dont really want more than those, would she mind if I put some of my BLRW under her? its been 3 days now so I would hate to put "fresh" eggs under her and the have her not finish if some of the others hatch.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Yay, Molly! I'd take some out of the incubator and give to her. I think these Silkies do a good job from what I've read.