Broody question

[GiGi123]

Today is hatch day.
I hear little chirps every now and then.
I was wondering if there was any way to tell if she is a bad mother before she kills a chick.
She sat on her eggs the entire time but i'm still worried she might kill one.

thanks for the help,
Gigi

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know of any way. Most broodies do fine, but the more you disturb her and get her agitated, the more likely she will get riled up and hurt a chick by trying to defend them or just stomping around getting in position to defend them. I know you don't want to be the reason a chick got hurt.

It is possible a chick will die after hatching, whether from the broody doing something or just because it was not meant to live. I really think you have a better chance at a good hatch if you leave the broody alone.

 

[Mrs. K]

x2

what was said above.

If you play the hatching game, it is better for you to be realistic and know that some chicks will die or never hatch. Last summer they did a running poll and it hung very close to a 50% average. a 100% hatch rate is a rarity, a treat, but an act of God.

Leave her alone, she may not raise them all, but the ones she does will be healthier and stronger their whole lives.

Mrs.K