Broody Hen Thread!

[TXchickenchick]

Going through our first broody hen experience, 10 out of 13 chicks hatched a week ago today! We had an interesting time making sure she would return to the proper nest box everyday when she stepped out for a stretch and a snack. For a week I had to hang out by coop around 9:30 am (that was her preferred time) to make sure she went in the proper box. One time I had to relocate her and she was SO mad at me (I'm only trying to help, mama). Finally she got the hang of it. Its been so fun, though, and it felt like Christmas morning to see those little chick peek out from underneath her the first time.

Congratulations on your first broody hatch! I completely agree about that christmas morning feel!

 

[alibabba]

Yes, I did have week old chicks running around with flock in the day time since it was warm. It makes integration easier if the adults are used to them from little chicks. I raise chicks in the warm months, and they stay in the house with me at night and when it is colder out.

Not sure why you are taking that tone with me. Yes, I imagine it could be harder for her, but I thought I would let her try it herself and see how it goes. I know a lot of things I do are not supposed to be doable. You have to try some things and learn yourself if it is not obviously dangerous.

Applause, for trying things that people think are impossible. If no one ever tried anything, we would be living in caves....

There are safe ways to try things. We just need to be watchful, vigilent and not irresponsible.

My flock I also doubt would hurt a chick on purpose, they are free range in my yard too. I think that makes a HUGE difference. If I put chicks in a place where only they could be, then allowed them access to the yard leaving the space where they could be safe and get food and water. I think no problem. But mine are in a pen, just easier for me.

If you know your girls a little or want to try something, go for it. Never know, it might work. Need at least 2 things. A. Be vigilent. B. Back up plan

 

[alibabba]

First broody hen for me! My big giant blue splash orpington is sitting on some eggs inside the coop - she's crammed into a pretty small nesting box. Anything I should do for her to make it better? She's going to get really hot in there. It's not too bad this week but for 3 weeks in July in Georgi inside the coop? Ugh!

Fan? worked for mine. My dumb shed coop is like an oven. And I needed to keep chicks away from as much of the potential Marek's germs as possible, so I had to have her in a "mobile home".

For her comfort and ease of chicks getting in and out...If you can move her into other type situation as described here... dog crate, cat litter box, cardboard box....if you want her to stay in with the rest of the flock.

I'm sure you can figure it out!

 

[alibabba]

Going through our first broody hen experience, 10 out of 13 chicks hatched a week ago today! We had an interesting time making sure she would return to the proper nest box everyday when she stepped out for a stretch and a snack. For a week I had to hang out by coop around 9:30 am (that was her preferred time) to make sure she went in the proper box. One time I had to relocate her and she was SO mad at me (I'm only trying to help, mama). Finally she got the hang of it. Its been so fun, though, and it felt like Christmas morning to see those little chick peek out from underneath her the first time.

Ditto!

I had the same thing. These are 2 young, first timers.

They would get out and then go sit on the wooden egg or new eggs. My life revolves around making sure those girls were in the correct nest. Agree also, my GOD, first girl hatched every one of those babies! What a miracle gift!

Second girl doing much better, but still today I got home after a long day of running, and thought, "OH MY GOD, she is probably on the wrong nest and the babies are dead". Nope. She's in the right spot. Whew!

It's stressful and work, but I'd rather do this and be sure, than blow it.

 

[alibabba]

Congrats on the hatch...I hope you are ready for more because you will end up addicted to broodies before you know it!

Yep. It's a problem. My first one, such a good momma, amazing and wonderous to watch!

 

[alibabba]

Thanks.

They are from her eggs (bantam naked neck) crossed with my standard buff laced polish roo.

So far her older (same mix) chicks are turning out beautiful. As soon as she 'weaned' tbe first ones she went broody again!

Oh wow, they look like little yellow chickies. She has such beautiful coloring I would have thought darker chicks. Dome heads?

I have a Frizzle Polish Tolbunt (has a decent beard, not a good specimen, poor guy too much white, but he's a sweety) with dark EE's and my Duccle's. So can not wait now to see what they look like! They all are dark black or grey or brown, have beards & muffs, and the d'uccle babies have feather legs and 1/2 dome heads, one has a black mohawk. I think ONE of six got frizzle!!! (Hurry up and wait again, arghhhhh!)

 

[TXchickenchick]

Oh wow, they look like little yellow chickies.  She has such beautiful coloring I would have thought darker chicks.  Dome heads?    

I have a Frizzle Polish Tolbunt (has a decent beard, not a good specimen, poor guy too much white, but he's a sweety) with dark EE's and my Duccle's.  So can not wait now to see what they look like!  They all are dark black or grey or brown, have beards & muffs, and the d'uccle babies have feather legs and 1/2 dome heads, one has a black mohawk.   I think ONE of six got frizzle!!! (Hurry up and wait again, arghhhhh!) 

Oh my! I woukd probably give my right arm for a frizzle tolbunt polish! That, IMO, is chicken perfection! 'Poor'coloring or not, I bet he is beautiful!

So far, as the babies grow they get a crest but because they dion't have the vaulted skull it doesn't stick up much. Strangely her last ones started out all little yellow puffballs, too. They got a lot more color as their feathers came in. I changed out memory cards but I will see if I have a pic of them on my phone right now.

 

[Danielchicken]

Can anybody tell me what color these cochin chicks will be when adults?

 

[TXchickenchick]

Oh my! I woukd probably give my right arm for a frizzle tolbunt polish! That, IMO, is chicken perfection! 'Poor'coloring or not, I bet he is beautiful!

So far, as the babies grow they get a crest but because they dion't have the vaulted skull it doesn't stick up much. Strangely her last ones started out all little yellow puffballs, too. They got a lot more color as their feathers came in. I changed out memory cards but I will see if I have a pic of them on my phone right now.

Alright, this is 2 of her boys. They also have random black feathers but i don't see any in this pic. Hard to believe these were solid yellow chicks, isn't it! They are at that awkward teenage phase right now. Lol

 

[Pongocup]

That gives me hope! I thought something went seriously wrong.