Broody Hen Thread!

[chicksurreal]

She's gorgeous!

X2!

 

[JJFarms]

Hi! 

We have had several broody hens with chicks that we integrated back into the flock at an early age. We have chicks that are about 5 weeks and some that are about 6 weeks old that are running around with everyone else. They have their mammas to protect them. That's always the first question I ask myself, will they be safe and not be able to escape through the fence or be attacked by the other chickens, etc.

As long as the broody is with them and the other chickens aren't overly aggressive, they should be fine as long as they can get to food and water and have some hiding spots to get away from other chickens if they need to. We have a very large run (2500 sf), so that helps too. 

Another concern is where will they sleep in the coop. Our broodys usually take up a spot in a nesting box or corner of the coop on the floor where other chickens won't be jumping down on them. We also have week old chicks that are still seperated from the main flock with their broody. We won't put them in with the rest until they are 5-6 weeks old, but they can still be seen through the fence during the day, so everybody gets to know them ahead of time.

 

[JJFarms]

Thank you, that's the info I was looking for. My chickens have the back pasture to run around and we have a docile flock. And a super proud Roaster who even helps feed the chicks. But I thought the mamas might not like each other(never had more than one Broodie), but from what you said that shouldn't be a problem with enough room and a hiding spot....thanks again

 

[chicksurreal]

Thank you, that's the info I was looking for. My chickens have the back pasture to run around and we have a docile flock. And a super proud Roaster who even helps feed the chicks. But I thought the mamas might not like each other(never had more than one Broodie), but from what you said that shouldn't be a problem with enough room and a hiding spot....thanks again

No problem! I do observe them for a bit when they are first put together, just to make sure everything is going to be okay. The broodys that I have tend to stay away from each other, they want to keep their chicks safe and spend most of their time showing the chicks where food and water is located and just exploring around with them. It's good that you have plenty of room.

 

[fisherlady]

Thank you, that's the info I was looking for. My chickens have the back pasture to run around and we have a docile flock. And a super proud Roaster who even helps feed the chicks. But I thought the mamas might not like each other(never had more than one Broodie), but from what you said that shouldn't be a problem with enough room and a hiding spot....thanks again

Spats between broodies do sometimes happen, but the more room they have the fewer the incidents and in our experience they usually work out a 'you avoid me and I will avoid you' treaty within a day or so,...so certainly keep an ear or eye on them for a bit to step in if needed. multiple broodies can be a joy or a pain, totally depends on the personalities of the hens involved. I love having multiple hens hatch within short times of each other at our place...they usually end up sharing chick watching duties and the chicks seem to gravitate towards each other so if a hatches are small they still get the social benefits of being raised with lots of 'siblings'.

 

[fisherlady]

Thank you, that's the info I was looking for. My chickens have the back pasture to run around and we have a docile flock. And a super proud Roaster who even helps feed the chicks. But I thought the mamas might not like each other(never had more than one Broodie), but from what you said that shouldn't be a problem with enough room and a hiding spot....thanks again

Just be aware of the hazards of the methods we often use...I love having the hens out and about with the flock and teaching them all of the 'chickeny' stuff, but along with the benefits there are increased risks... accidents are more likely in uncontrolled environments, and separation from the broody happens sometimes also, which can cause losses if not realized. We do a 'head count' every evening to make sure a long ranging chick didn't get themselves lost and over the years we have had to go out and find some who were separated for whatever reason. during the day we have gotten into the habit of doing a head count any time we see the broody...it is quick and simple until you get over 10 chicks, lol. Brooding within the flock can be wonderful but tragic accidents can and do happen. Just understand the risks and do what you can to help minimize them and I think you will enjoy having them out with the flock.

 

[Fizzgig]

My broodie, whose chicks are in the process of hatching has laid the last two days. She is still determinedly broody in fact she hasn't left the nest at all since Monday, there is no access for another bird to get in and do it. I'm wondering if anyone has had this happen before? She's hatching ducklings so has been on the nest longer than she would be with chicks. Also she was sharing a next with my silkie who has taken her brood off to a hatchling tractor so that may be a factor. Thoughts anyone?

 

[JJFarms]

Last night we started our introductions, they can see each other but that's it, separated by chicken wire. The mama's were all on high alert, I stayed till everyone got quiet....it was really noisy!!! But they all calmed down for the night. This morning it was better but they are not ready being let loose! They were on happy with each other yet.
Poor Mr. rooster stuck his head in the corner....lol.....almost saying....I wish the kids would go to bed!

Spats between broodies do sometimes happen, but the more room they have the fewer the incidents and in our experience they usually work out a 'you avoid me and I will avoid  you' treaty within a day or so,...so certainly keep an ear or eye on them for a bit to step in if needed.  multiple broodies can be a joy or a pain, totally depends on the personalities of the hens involved.  I love having multiple hens hatch within short times of each other at our place...they usually end up sharing chick watching duties and the chicks seem to gravitate towards each other so if a hatches are small they still get the social benefits of being raised with lots of 'siblings'.
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[GitaBooks]

Just wanted to share a picture. This is Peach. She is a hard headed broody. I just pulled her off her second nest of the month. I guess I'm going to let her sit this time, but not in her favorite spot: a honeysuckle 'cave' in the neighbors yard of all places. Sheesh! My hens think they run the place or something.

Here she is giving me the broody momma drama stink eye while I fix a dog crate for her in the rabbit house. She's such a goober.

Amazing picture! Have you considered adding it to the BYC calendar contest?

 

[chickchick8]

She's gorgeous!

Thank you! She's a 3rd generation EE cross. I just love her!