Broody Hen Thread!

[16 paws]

fisherlady,
I love your dirty dozen!

 

[PD-Riverman]

PD-Riverman
How do you move your broodys ? Can you tell us your tips?
Marie

I have posted it many times----Its alot of typing so I jst went back a few pages and copied it------

Most all my nesting boxes are movable. If I have a hen that becomes broody in a non-movable box or corner---I get a movable box ready--with hay and fake eggs---that night I pick up the hen, remove nesting materials, place movable box in that nest/or spot---place her back in the nest with fake eggs(or eggs that I will remove daily and leave her a few more each day I remove the others till I set her) I let her get use to the new nest---usually a day or so----then at night I move her to the hatching pen in total darkness(only flash a light for a second to get bearings). I ease the nest with her in it into the hatching pen and Leave. ALWAYS get the hatching pen set-up before the move---food water etc. If you did that when you move her---that could and will up-set her. I have set just before day break and watch at a distance---when the hen can start seeing a little she knows she is in a new place as she can see a little more she can see her food and water across the pen from her(never where she can get to it while in the nest). She sits there as it gets lighter and "I" feel she is taking in her new place and not being bothered by no one/chicken----I have seen them come out the nest and check the place out, eat, etc then go get back in their nest. I have sit there for a hour and they just sit---so I move on---LOL. When I know she is going to stay, I set her with fresh eggs. Once the hens go broody a second and third time---they know they are going to be moved and I place their fertile eggs under them before I even move them. I do Not NEVER allow a broody to collect her own eggs---I want them to hatch at the same time so I put fresh ones in her nest.

Let me say this----"THIS" is what I do---i am Just sharing--- I am not saying my way is the best way----I am just saying this is what works for me---with great hatches and No Problems. Good Luck.

 

[BantyChooks]

How many bantam eggs can I safety set under a standard-sized broody hen? 

I just purchased 12 bantam hatching eggs off ebay with the intent to set them under my broody hen.  The seller just let me know that she is actually sending 16 eggs.  Is there any way I can give them all to my hen, or should I plan on setting some of them up in the incubator?

I have found a broody BO with 2doz LF eggs under her before... A dozen is more typical, but she should be able to fit that amount in bantam eggs under her no problem.


Howdy y'all....
Thought I'd join in here, I have a broody OEGB on 10 OEGB x silkie eggs right now.
-Banti

 

[fisherlady]

I have found a broody BO with 2doz LF eggs under her before... A dozen is more typical, but she should be able to fit that amount in bantam eggs under her no problem.


Howdy y'all....
Thought I'd join in here, I have a broody OEGB on 10 OEGB x silkie eggs right now.
-Banti

Welcome to the fun!

 

[fisherlady]

fisherlady,
I love your dirty dozen!

Thanks, they sure can keep me from getting chores done around here! LOL

 

[nchls school]

Many hens don't like being moved, have you tryed putting her back in the nest? Then you could transfer the chicks under her and then after she realizes "Oh I have babies now" you can move her. I have done that and it worked quite well. Is there any way you can close off her nest box so only she has access?

X 2. I'd lock up the bully for awhile so the broody is left in peace. I have a hen locked up for the same reason.

 

[nchls school]

Many hens don't like being moved, have you tryed putting her back in the nest? Then you could transfer the chicks under her and then after she realizes "Oh I have babies now" you can move her. I have done that and it worked quite well. Is there any way you can close off her nest box so only she has access?

X 2. I'd lock up the bully so the broody is left in peace. I have a hen locked up right now for the same reason.

 

[laurieb01]

Here is our first chick - hatched yesterday. 2 more hatched this morning. Mama hasn't moved off of them yet. These are Serama chicks and mama is a Bantam Cochin. We put her in a crate to brood and she is inside the hen house. It's very cold and windy today or we would have moved the crate out into the run. How long will it be before the chicks begin to venture out from under her? We have their food in the crate and their waterer ( full of pebbles to prevent drowning, these babies are teeny!) right at the door of the crate. I want to lift her to check on them, but don't want to stress her.

How long should we wait? Thanks.

P.s. Can you tell I'm a nervous grandma?

 

[DinaKay]

It's chaos around here...last year 2 broody hens hatched two weeks apart..that was awesome. Same 2 have done the same this year...one has babies other clutch due Thursdayish.. AND NOW 3 girls HAVE DECIDED THEY WANT BABIES TOO all at the same time. The laying area has become quite vocal and sometimes physical. No harm is ever done. There are 6 boxes for 10 hens..2 vacant..no eggs. Soooo went on an egg hunt yesterday found these under a dog box near coop..lol. Appears the broodies are moody and kicking out the layers.

 

[Klay]

luck strikes again. She went broody!!!! This is Oreo my little silkie that I had to move because of the pecking. She is sitting in a dog kennel on 12 golf balls. Can't wait for my chicks to get here.