Broody Hen

[Joshyboy86]

I have a hen which I think is broody, she has laid on a clutch of eggs all day and when I open the lid to the nest box gives a sort of warning, irritated cluck. I checked on her at about 9 pm and was still on the eggs. I live in Idaho and am not sure if this is too late in the season to allow her to hatch some eggs. Any suggestions?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Our winters are kind of mild, and I have a hen setting on eggs right now. If you have a bitter wintertime I don't know how to advise you.

 

[sumi]

I've had 2 broodies hatch and raise chicks over the past winter with no problems. They stayed and slept outside and even when it got really cold the moms did a good job keeping the little ones warm.

 

[Joshyboy86]

Thanks, I am not so worried now that I have heard that.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Make sure that you put the food and water where the baby chicks can reach though. And don't feed them layer feed because it is bad for their kidneys if they aren't laying. I use bricks to provide steps up to the water and feed for the babies.

Thanks, I am not so worried now that I have heard that.

 

[Ole rooster]

Yep, just leave it to her and provide food and water when to chicks are about 2 days old. But try to figure a way so the chicks can get to it and mama can't. She will sling feed all over the place thinking she's feeding them. A real waste of feed. She'll take care of um.