Broody pullet?

[nursesusanb]

Some of my hens started laying one week ago. The eggs are still quite small. I have a 22 week old BO who is now broody and won't leave the nesting box. Aren't these eggs too small to hatch chicks? They are most likely fertile, I have seen the roo in action.

 

[holm25]

Yeah they can be to small. But I have hatched pullet eggs and I know others who have too. It is getting a little late to be hatching in Maine but with a broody I would think everything would be fine. If u go ahead and let her hatch chicks make sure there is a warm spot ready for her and her brood if the weather gets cold. And being she is young I would let her sit for another week before giving her eggs. Also have a brooder ready for chicks that way if the hen tries kill or abadons the chicks they have a spot ready. Good luck.

 

[nursesusanb]

Should I be worried about having chicks in the coop since it's getting cold out? Or should I wait till they hatch and then put them in a brooder? If I put them in a brooder do I move mama as well, or just move chicks?

 

[holm25]

Should I be worried about having chicks in the coop since it's getting cold out? Or should I wait till they hatch and then put them in a brooder? If I put them in a brooder do I move mama as well, or just move chicks?

If its in the 20s which hopefully wont be that cold soon they should be moved with mom to a brooder. But if its above 20 degrees f they should be fine.