Chicken Psychology

[peepinglaura]

Not that any of us can really tap into the minds of chickens. However, what do yo think a very broody hen with a failed hatch would prefer?

Her eggs were due to hatch yesterday. I'm leaving the eggs under her till Monday, but I don't think anything is going to happen. Would she be happier if I:

a) removed the eggs and set her free to stretch and run for the first time in 3 weeks

b) give her some good eggs from the incubator, which means she has to brood for an extra 2 weeks

c) let her sit on useless eggs till next Saturday (21st), when our feed store is having a chicken swap, and I can buy her little chicks to slip under her at night

Thanks,

Laura

 

[mcmch91]

What a good chicken mama you are! Sounds like something I would struggle with, too.

I don't have loads of experience with chickens and 'lost' babies, but I have had goats and sheep for years. Anytime I can substitute a baby for a totally lost little famiy, the results are happier animals.

Now how that works for chickens, I am not sure. Is the drive in a chicken to nurture the chick or sit on the egg?

I would probably leave her until the chicks come in. After all, maybe the hatch is just slow? Either way, she deserves something for her hard work and dedication!

Let me know how it works out!

 

[peepinglaura]

Thanks, I will let you know!


Laura

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

I'd take the eggs from her and put her out to run. She's already been setting and not moving for 21 days, let her get some exercise.

 

[krv]

Hi,
I would wait until day 25 or 26 to see if they will hatch. Here is what happened to my son's chicken. She sat for 3 weeks and nothing happened. We had already threw away a few that did not even have veins. We were going to give it until day 26 to check the eggs. But all 4 that she was setting on hatched on day 24, day 25, and day 26, some with his help. But they did hatch and they all look and act good. This just happened last week.

krv

 

[peepinglaura]

krv, thanks! Wow, please tell me more! Which did he help and why? Did you candle? If so, what could be seen? Do they seem healthy despite their protracted egg time?Was there peeping for long?

I guess I'll extend my "give up" day till Tuesday. This is day 22 (definite).

Thanks,

Laura

 

[peepinglaura]

This morning the eggs were beginning to smell foul. It's strange that she didn't know they were bad, but they were. Opening one revealed that they died days and days ago. So, I got her 4 baby chicks. My 4 year old son really wanted to crack an egg from our fridge and toss the shell in there, thinking it would help her fall for our rouse. That's what I did, though I doubt the hen noticed

Anyway, she is calmer than I have seen her in two days, happily tucking them under her body and screaming at anyone but my daughter and me if we go near her. I'm glad I did it!

Laura

 

[Sammysmom]

Congratulations!

That's great that Mama Hen took to the little fluffbutts! A mother hen with babies is just wonderful to watch!

 

[okiemommy]

hmm good idea. I may try this also. I have a broody that is on "air" right now b/c her eggs didn't make it. I would think mine would prefer the chicks than to sit on nothing indefinitely. (mine is free to get up any time she would like, but hasn't budged except to eat and drink.

 

[mcmch91]

Quote:
YEAH!!

I know there are those among us who take a different view, but isn't it nice to see her happy? Soft hearts can't always be heeded, but it work in this case! Congrats to you and your little hen!