Broody Hen Thread!

[WildHens]

Yep, because there is always one in every clutch who becomes the 'problem child'.... constantly lost or having some kind of trouble! LOL

Lmao..that's my Silkie chicks in this last group..they are just too stupid to figure it out, no matter how many times they are shown

 

[blessings6]

Here ia my ramp. I have large chickens brahmas, and rhode island reds and cochins

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Here ia my ramp. I have large chickens brahmas, and rhode island reds and cochins

I have a higher hutch with ramp in my broody hutch. Most mommas teach all babies to run up and down the ramp by day 3 to 5. I had one momma that could never get her babies to get up it. She was a bit of a dunce herself, so I put a dog crate below for her when she has clutches.

Yours is a bit steep and how successful momma and chicks are will depend on how "bright" the chick or hen is. I agree with WildHens and Fisherlady to lay some objects as stepping stones in case somebody has to make a short cut. Usually momma goes up and clucks until the stragglers get the idea and, more importantly, courage to make the climb. I do night checks for the first week or so to make sure no one has been stranded.

But for the most part, most of the babies are scampering up and down the ramp with ease within the first week....with some mommas the first day of outing at 2 or 3 days.

LofMc

here's a photo of mine:
final run...can't see babies...but they are there with mommas on ground

in re-furbish stage before final tarp roof

 

[trailrider330]

Anyone ever leg band chicks that are under a broody? I never have in the past but I would like to band this batch. I'm just worried the hen may not appreciate them and try to peck them off. Thoughts?

 

[fisherlady]

Anyone ever leg band chicks that are under a broody? I never have in the past but I would like to band this batch. I'm just worried the hen may not appreciate them and try to peck them off. Thoughts?

I have never banded broody chicks, but I have other birds...I would avoid any shade of red or green, stick with a dull purple, black or brown to minimize attention to it.

 

[fisherlady]

Here ia my ramp. I have large chickens brahmas, and rhode island reds and cochins

You could reduce the angle of the ramp by placing the end onto a full size cement block which is 8 inches high and place a couple of 4 inch blocks or stones or pieces of scrap wood around the block as steps.... or place it on a pallet with an additional few inch high block under the end.

 

[goldie1234]

I got my eggs in the mail today for my broodies! They should rest 24. Should I put them under the hens tomorrow night (24 hours exactly) or wait a little longer and put them in the following morning?

 

[trailrider330]

I got my eggs in the mail today for my broodies! They should rest 24. Should I put them under the hens tomorrow night (24 hours exactly) or wait a little longer and put them in the following morning?

How are the air cells looking? Generally, I put eggs under a broody at night, so if the air cells are looking good, you could put them under your broodies tomorrow night.

 

[Mommy 2 Wee Ones]

My oldest daughter & I got home from her Choir Concert Saturday night at 11:30, and I went to check on the chicks. Found Little Bit off the the side and unresponsive. She was limp, would not open her eyes or even peep. She was running around like crazy the night before, and my hubby saw her moving around Saturday afternoon. She passed away in my hand around midnight.
My oldest & I buried her Sunday Morning. The other 3 are doing well, but it was sad that Little Bit, hatched out on her own, but only lived for 4 days. I watched her, to make sure she was getting enough to eat and drink. Her siblings did not mess with her. And she liked to be tucked under Mama's wing. If Mama gave the dinner call, she was out and eating with the others.

I so wanted to see what she was going to look like when she grew up.

 

[16 paws]

My oldest daughter & I got home from her Choir Concert Saturday night at 11:30, and I went to check on the chicks. Found Little Bit off the the side and unresponsive. She was limp, would not open her eyes or even peep. She was running around like crazy the night before, and my hubby saw her moving around Saturday afternoon. She passed away in my hand around midnight.
My oldest & I buried her Sunday Morning. The other 3 are doing well, but it was sad that Little Bit, hatched out on her own, but only lived for 4 days. I watched her, to make sure she was getting enough to eat and drink. Her siblings did not mess with her. And she liked to be tucked under Mama's wing. If Mama gave the dinner call, she was out and eating with the others.

I so wanted to see what she was going to look like when she grew up.

I am so sorry to read this.

Hugs to you and your daughter...
Marie