Can hens not know how to brood when they DO go BROODY?

[TommyVT05]

Heylo,

I just got a call in from my father, just now, sitting in the library TRYING to study but I can't help but to ask this now in case its too late. My dad said the jungle fowl hen went clucky a few days ago and yesturday morning and this morning, she jumped on her nest and sat there until noon. No new eggs laid so she didn't go there to just lay...perhaps wanting to brood. However...

When my father went out to give them food, she jumps down, eats, and won't go back up again for like the rest of the day, so, what does that mean?

If she does this on an occasion, like, only sit on the eggs for half days and such...that will damage the eggs, wouldn't it? Kinda start the incubation but then stops...

I'm confused

- Tommy

 

[NYREDS]

Most hens are good natural mothers. That said, there are exception to every rule. Once in awhile there's a hen that will stop setting part way through the process or will not take good care of chicks. It happens.

 

[TommyVT05]

I am aware, but do they do that? Sort of 'incubate" each day but only for half days? Thats totally new and awkward for me. Lol. Its either you do it, or you don't right?

I have heard about hens stepping out of brood mode like half away along, like 10 days in but they still SIT in the nest 98% of the time...know what I mean? : )

- Tommy

 

[Kaneke]

actually, Tommy, that's what Blondie the hen (possible EE mix) was doing, the first three days ... sitting on nest for a bit then off for a walk with the rest of the flock, then back to the nest

I suspect that's why eleven of her nineteen eggs didn't hatch ...

after those walkabout days, she settled down and never got off the nest at all, that we could determine ... until after the first couple of chicks hatched

 

[TommyVT05]

What do you know? I just got home and there goes the hen! In the box. I called my father who is at the beach fishing right now (thats so fun!) and said "the other hen, sat there since morning...he wasn't too clear when he told me earlier"...and im like HORRAY!!! I finally got one broody! Hehe. So today is day one. Imma start counting!!!

So happy! : )

- Tommy