Broody Hen Thread!

[Sonya9]

The top part is the coop part and the run is 4 by 3

The run is way too small. Get some fencing and build them a bigger run (preferably covered).

My birds are only in the coop at night and to lay eggs, the rest of the time they are outdoors eating grass, etc... I have seen a pic of your coop, build a much larger run! IMO.

 

[chickenlickin8]

Its day 19 and I have 3 pips under my broody and 2 in the bator....so excited Pics to come.

 

[Henerz101]

I'm on day 17and16 with my broody, has anyone else got any hatching on Tuesday and Wednesday?

 

[alsarve01]

I have 2 yr old Buff Orpingtons, 6 hens and 1 rooster.I have had my hens go broody quite a few times but this is the 1st time I have let any have any eggs. We don't really need any chicks but oh well lol. We let her have 3 but 1 disappeared. Who knows. We are on day 12 and she is as mean and broody as ever lol. I have to get a picture of her fluffy self in the nest.

 

[pasuit]

I've had several broody hens and never thought of exchanging eggs in the brooder with the new ones she was sitting on. Kudod for that suggestion.

 

[pasuit]

I agree. Give the fertile eggs back to the silkie and give the new broody new eggs.

 

[Doc Roger]

HELP!!
My Austerlorp pullet went broody and ran into a juniper thicket! 21 days later emerged with 6 chicks!
I want to get her back into the coop/ yard. Should I take them away and put them under a headlamp? Or let her continue to do her thing??

 

[Doc Roger]

HELP!!
My Austerlorp pullet went broody and ran into a juniper thicket! 21 days later emerged with 6 chicks!
I want to get her back into the coop/ yard. Should I take them away and put them under a headlamp? Or let her continue to do her thing??

Heatlamp, sorry

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

HELP!!
My Austerlorp pullet went broody and ran into a juniper thicket! 21 days later emerged with 6 chicks!
I want to get her back into the coop/ yard. Should I take them away and put them under a headlamp? Or let her continue to do her thing??

No reason to pull the chicks based on what you've posted here, so I would leave her be and let her do all the work.

 

[phryan]

Please realize that while trying different things is no big deal to you, it is a monumental big deal to each broody that is trying for weeks to hatch/raise chicks.  It also takes a real physical toll on the hens health to sit on eggs for weeks, it is not something to take lightly if you value your hens.

I didn't want to give the impression I am taking it lightly. Happy hens are productive hens; the coop is basically automated food/water/door to make sure they have constant access to what they need and can forage (aka nap in shade) during the day.

What I was trying to convey was that after this round I will try again making changes based on the lessons learned this time.

Down to 4 eggs, noticed that all 4 were from the Reds (started with 4), none of the 8 eggs from the Barred Rocks made it. Interesting pattern, especially since it was the Barred Rocks I was looking to breed.