Broody Hen Thread!

[sharol]

This is interesting, especially about not handling the eggs. I really, really hope I didn't screw up her hatching by cleaning up the broken, rotten egg yesterday. I tried to handle everything as little as possible, but I didn't know about trying to put the back into the exact same position they were in. I'll be so relieved if I get even one chick out the remaining 7 eggs.

You are fine. You had to move the eggs to clean, and you are VERY early in the cycle, so don't fret. Take deep breaths and let the hen do her job.

My hens, for the most part, come off the nest every day for a short time. One was off for an hour at a time, but it was in August and the temps were 100+ when she was out scratching and eating. They know.

 

[Blooie]

Agatha doesn't move. She has been in her huge broody pen now for 13 days. There have been 2 broody poops. That's it. Her food is barely eaten. She has a tendency to sit with her head toward the back of the nest so all we ever see is her tail sticking out. Last year when she did that I kept making her get off for a bit every couple of days, at great peril to my own safety! This year I'm just not messing with her at all. She has a much much larger pen and if she wants to stretch her legs she sure can. It's been so hard to make me leave her alone!

 

[Loc20chick]

I don't have a broody hen but since you all have some, which breed have you seen to be consistently good at hatching?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Thanks all-- I do feel like I needed to pull her off the nest, twice, but I'm glad she did it herself today.

Hands off??? I'm trying, but it's impossible! I'm so excited. But yes, I'll wait until day 10 and then pull everything that has nothing dark in it. Then I'll keep my hands to myself

sounds like a plan to me.

 

[luckysaysgo]

Cochin and mille fleur

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Mine came off the nest every day until the last few days, then she sat tight until the hatch was complete.

The important part is that your hen made her own determination about leaving the nest.

 

[Loc20chick]

Quote:
thanks.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I don't have a broody hen but since you all have some, which breed have you seen to be consistently good at hatching?

Game hens, old english game hens---------did I say Game hens-----Hatching Machines. I have set about 40 in the last year-----good moms!!

 

[aart]

Quote: Weeellll...I persuaded her the first couple times.

 

[AmyP716]

My silkies are great hatchers and mothers. Mine has been free ranging in my yard with the rest of my mixed flock and is doing great. She has three chicks.