Broody Hen Thread!

[vanallison]

My broody hen just had her eggs hatch! HOWEVER - one was clearly rotten and one has disappeared all together. Did she eat it? I couldn't get anywhere near here when they were under her, so I didn't candle and let her deal with it herself. What should I do next time? I only put 6 eggs under her, (she's a Buff) but maybe more for my next broody? What happened to the 6th egg?

 

[Mezzer]

Update. I built a chick pen and took the chicks out for the first time, most of my hens were either mildy interested to really interested, but my former broody who sat on the eggs and rejected them as they hatched took
One look at the chicks and RAN to the otherside of the yard and stayed. Lol. Strange hen...0_o

 

[BullChick]

My broody hen just had her eggs hatch! HOWEVER - one was clearly rotten and one has disappeared all together. Did she eat it? I couldn't get anywhere near here when they were under her, so I didn't candle and let her deal with it herself. What should I do next time? I only put 6 eggs under her, (she's a Buff) but maybe more for my next broody? What happened to the 6th egg?

To be honest, it was probably pushed out of the nest. If one was rotten, the other could have been as well. They usually get rid of the duds.
An Orpington can handle a lot of eggs, but only give her what you want to.

 

[BullChick]

It is a mystery as to why I have not had a broody before now. This batch of hens come from a long line of broodies. Actually, I did have a few false starts last year, and it seemed this year. The siblings of these girls are on their second and third clutches. Two went broody twice last year.
Regardless, I finally have a broody. She waited until I was done with babies for the year. Because she thought that was a good idea!

Apparently, she thought I was wrong about having enough babies.

 

[16 paws]

Update. I built a chick pen and took the chicks out for the first time, most of my hens were either mildy interested to really interested, but my former broody who sat on the eggs and rejected them as they hatched took
One look at the chicks and RAN to the otherside of the yard and stayed. Lol. Strange hen...0_o

That is strange. I havent seen that. She must see them as a threat somehow.

 

[Mezzer]

That is strange. I havent seen that. She must see them as a threat somehow.

Yes, I guess she must. I'm just glad they are here and healthy. Maybe I should consider not waiting for a broody and get an inqubator..

 

[mossyroo]

It is a mystery as to why I have not had a broody before now. This batch of hens come from a long line of broodies. Actually, I did have a few false starts last year, and it seemed this year. The siblings of these girls are on their second and third clutches. Two went broody twice last year.
Regardless, I finally have a broody. She waited until I was done with babies for the year. Because she thought that was a good idea!

Apparently, she thought I was wrong about having enough babies.

Get rid of all your roosters. Just a few months after I got rid of mine I had my 1st 2 broodies at the same time.

 

[lydiagirl99]

Just put 3 silkie eggs and 2 cochin eggs under my Broody Hen ! Wish me good luck

 

[carriestewart]

I have my first broody hen on day 20 of her egg sitting. She has 5 eggs under her. She has been a good sitter. Funny how that works... production red who isn't supposed to sit. My question is, since my broodie is sitting in a laying box and it is up about 3.5 feet, should I move it to the ground when and if the chicks hatch??? Should I segregate mom and chicks?? Any advice, LOL???

Oh, and the cross is Barred Rock/Red Production.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Just put 3 silkie eggs and 2 cochin eggs under my Broody Hen ! Wish me good luck

Good luck!