Broody hen

[sassychickens76]

Yes. You do NOT want a staggered hatch with a broody hen. She will abandon the eggs that don't hatch within about 24 hours of the first chick hatching. I would immediately remove them.
As for the biting, wear leather gloves and long sleeve heavy shirt or jacket.

If she is where other birds can lay in her nest, you'll have to do this daily to remove freshly laid eggs.

If you don't have space for more birds, best to break her instead of letting her hatch.

OK. I will try to pick her up today. Should I do it at night or during the day, or does that even matter? I have got two eggs in the other nesting box the past two days. (I only have two other hens) The eggs were probably laid in a 24 hour radius so I am just going to leave them alone. Really, we ae just using this as a learning experience not trying to grow our flock, although a few more eggs every day would be nice. We will lift her up and mark the eggs that are under her. Thank you all for the help so far! I'll keep you updated.
(and try to get some picture)

 

[aart]

OK. I will try to pick her up today. Should I do it at night or during the day, or does that even matter?

Might be easier after dark.

The eggs were probably laid in a 24 hour radius so I am just going to leave them alone.

Remove all freshly laid eggs daily.
Use fake eggs as 'bait' in the other nests.

 

[sassychickens76]

Might be easier after dark.


Remove all freshly laid eggs daily.
Use fake eggs as 'bait' in the other nests.

Thanks, we just picked her up. 5 eggs were under her, thats the amount I wanted. We removed two golf balls and she went back to sitting. I also marked them all with an x. Due date should be April 8. I'm so excited!

 

[sassychickens76]

Separately, does anyone know how to move pictures from a phone to a computer?

 

[aart]

Separately, does anyone know how to move pictures from a phone to a computer?

Might want to ask in the feedback forum.
Provide details of both devices.

 

[bobbi-j]

I draw a circle around mine (the short way) so all I have to do is a quick lift and glance and let her settle again. No fussing with the eggs to find the “x”.

Even as little as 24 hours between setting the eggs truly can make a difference in your hatch. I realize you want to make it a learning experience, and if the potential of dead chicks doesn’t bother you, that’s your choice.

 

[sassychickens76]

This is my coop. On the front and back I have doors. The top of the nesting boxes open. I have two. This coop is home to 4 chickens. 3 hens 1 roo. I have locks on every door. 3 in total. Thanks to @aart @bobbi-j @Oncoming Storm @DobieLover @SulkyBantam for helping me with all my questions. I'll keep you updated with pics!

 

[DobieLover]

View attachment 2579020
This is my coop. On the front and back I have doors. The top of the nesting boxes open. I have two. This coop is home to 4 chickens. 3 hens 1 roo. I have locks on every door. 3 in total. Thanks to @aart @bobbi-j @Oncoming Storm @DobieLover @SulkyBantam for helping me with all my questions. I'll keep you updated with pics!

You need a lot more room is you want to keep any pullets. Mom also needs room to work with when she brings the kids up to roost.

 

[sassychickens76]

OK. We are trying to move and build a bigger chicken pen. I have had 6 chickens in it and no problem. I forgot to mention, the roosting bar is across the top. The big blob is 2 chickens. Do you think they could live in it for a few weeks to a year? It depends when my father has time and is not working. He built the one above. There is a nice size shed were we are moving and I plan to put chicken wire up around it. The shed has to be cleaned out still and snakes, wasp, and bees are starting to come out.

 

[sassychickens76]

I'm on day 4. What day should I try to candle them and what are the signs of fertility and a live embryo?