Broody Hen Thread!

[Gardenlady2]

My broody Welsummer has been sitting on 4 eggs for a week now.
2 questions:
1. Her nest is 2 feet above the ground. Is this okay or do I need to make a nest for her on the ground?
2. Should I candle the eggs soon to make sure they are viable?
This is my first broody so I need advice!!!
Thank you!!

 

[joannefiddler]

Gardenlady2, You'll want her on the floor eventually so the chicks don't fall out of the nest. Moving her in the evening/night seems to be the most common recommendation. Try to set up a safe area for her...I used a large dog crate lined with sand on the floor of the coop. Then with help from my husband and sister we moved nest, eggs, and hen in one ballet like movement lol. Others section off an area with chicken wire. Just be sure she has enough room to stretch her legs and get some food and water. Separating her will help prevent other hens from adding to her clutch and creating too staggered a hatch. Have fun! It's such a wonderful process to be a part of

 

[lellies chicks]

Help my GL Wyandotte hen went broody. She was sitting on nine eggs. Today at 10 am the first chick hatched. One egg was broken but rotten and there are seven left! It's been almost 12 hrs and no sign of anything from the other eggs. How long do we wait?!?!

 

[Junibutt]

My broody's hatch day is tomorrow and the night temperatures have fallen to 50 degrees or less today and possibly tomorrow as well. Day temperatures are not any better 60-66 degrees. What can I do as a precaution so any chicks that wander out from under the mama don't get cold. She is in a dog cage on the coop floor, I have put a 12 inch double corrugated board around the cage, however it is half open from the top. Shall I put a blanket/lamp on top of the cage just in case? Or shall I leave it to the mama.

 

[Hannahs Hollow]

My broody's hatch day is tomorrow and the night temperatures have fallen to 50 degrees or less today and possibly tomorrow as well. Day temperatures are not any better 60-66 degrees. What can I do as a precaution so any chicks that wander out from under the mama don't get cold. She is in a dog cage on the coop floor, I have put a 12 inch double corrugated board around the cage, however it is half open from the top. Shall I put a blanket/lamp on top of the cage just in case? Or shall I leave it to the mama.

If they can't get stranded from mom she'll look after them! Good luck! Watch for other inquisitive hens getting in tho!

 

[Junibutt]

If they can't get stranded from mom she'll look after them! Good luck! Watch for other inquisitive hens getting in tho!

cage door is locked. I think I will still bring her along with the cage into our basement because its raining pretty bad today and is supposed to be rainy and windy all day long tomorrow as well.

 

[Hannahs Hollow]

cage door is locked. I think I will still bring her along with the cage into our basement because its raining pretty bad today and is supposed to be rainy and windy all day long tomorrow as well.

are they protected from the elements within the coop? mom will keep them at 102 degrees. you also have to be careful about overheating them and especially mom. you'll also want to keep them near the rest of the flock so they will grow with the rest of the flock and you won't have to worry about major problems trying to integrate them

 

[Junibutt]

are they protected from the elements within the coop? mom will keep them at 102 degrees. you also have to be careful about overheating them and especially mom. you'll also want to keep them near the rest of the flock so they will grow with the rest of the flock and you won't have to worry about major problems trying to integrate them

Although she is huddled in a corner but it can get pretty windy inside the coop. I am only planning to bring her in for 2 days so she can hatch in peace. Will go right back in the coop on Friday. Still need Dear wife's permission

 

[Hannahs Hollow]

Although she is huddled in a corner but it can get pretty windy inside the coop. I am only planning to bring her in for 2 days so she can hatch in peace. Will go right back in the coop on Friday. Still need Dear wife's permission

I don't know where you you live or what kind of coop you would have that there is a lot of wind inside of it. generally all birds cannot handle a lot of breeze. they do have to be sheltered from the elements whether it be cold, wind or rain. however that being said ventilation is very important. it might be a very good idea to bring her in to a place that is more sheltered in a cage to give her the food the water and the chicks enough room for two days. six chicks mom food and water at least at the area big enough that is 4 by 3 with a2 foot ceiling

 

[Junibutt]

I don't know where you you live or what kind of coop you would have that there is a lot of wind inside of it. generally all birds cannot handle a lot of breeze. they do have to be sheltered from the elements whether it be cold, wind or rain. however that being said ventilation is very important. it might be a very good idea to bring her in to a place that is more sheltered in a cage to give her the food the water and the chicks enough room for two days. six chicks mom food and water at least at the area big enough that is 4 by 3 with a2 foot ceiling

The coop is pretty protected in the winter, but I have taken off the chip board covers to let the sun in since April. That is good for ventilation and the hens are loving it but probably not good for newborns. Its going to be rainy tomorrow as well, so I will bring her back in couple of days once the chicks hatch and the rains stop.