Broody Hens Help (first time using Broody to hatch)

[WhatAboutBob?]

I don't think I was clear. I'd leave the two that are already hatched with the hen that is with them now. It ain't broke, so don't mess with it. I'd put the 4 remaining eggs (that appear to be at different stages of development) under the one still setting. I'd leave the first hatched ones with her and try to incubate the other two, slipping them under the hen when they hatch.

Again, I have not been in this situation. My reasoning is, of the four remaining eggs, I would worry about taking the first hatched away from the mama and let her set on the eggs, by the time the last ones hatch, the older ones may not settle back under the hen. I hope this makes some small sense. I think I've even confused myself by now!

That is how I would handle this situation. Seems the most logical. I am in my first Broody experience with GLW set on 4 eggs the last 2 days.

 

[Nathaniel Walton]

I don't think I was clear. I'd leave the two that are already hatched with the hen that is with them now. It ain't broke, so don't mess with it. I'd put the 4 remaining eggs (that appear to be at different stages of development) under the one still setting. I'd leave the first hatched ones with her and try to incubate the other two, slipping them under the hen when they hatch.

Again, I have not been in this situation. My reasoning is, of the four remaining eggs, I would worry about taking the first hatched away from the mama and let her set on the eggs, by the time the last ones hatch, the older ones may not settle back under the hen. I hope this makes some small sense. I think I've even confused myself by now!

I completely agree with you - i think we were all muddled up

 

[Cyclonechick]

Thank you everyone!
I think I confused everyone - just like we watched the 3 take each other's place!

I'm going to keep the 2 babies with the mama that hatched them and let them go about life!

I'll move the still broody hen onto the 4 eggs in a brooder coop so we won't have any extra eggs showing up and we can watch her and make sure she really wants to do this! She seems to really want to have her babies so I'm hoping it works out well! If not, I can put the eggs in the incubator.

Thank you so much for all the advice!!!!

 

[Nathaniel Walton]

Thank you everyone!
I think I confused everyone - just like we watched the 3 take each other's place!

I'm going to keep the 2 babies with the mama that hatched them and let them go about life!

I'll move the still broody hen onto the 4 eggs in a brooder coop so we won't have any extra eggs showing up and we can watch her and make sure she really wants to do this! She seems to really want to have her babies so I'm hoping it works out well! If not, I can put the eggs in the incubator.

Thank you so much for all the advice!!!!

Keep us posted on their progress Good luck!