Dogs Can Indicate a Broody Hen's Eggs are Hatching

[centrarchid]

I have broody hens incubating clutches of eggs in several locations. Dogs know where all the nest are located. Normally the dogs pay little mind other than to walk over and sniff general area before moving on. A different reaction occurs when the chicks are hatching as the dogs cock their heads and orient on the nest for a lot longer. Could be possible to train dogs to notify me of hatch when records nor kept close enough. Also indicates predators could pick on same sign to located nests.

 

[Mrs. K]

they must be able to hear them. You notice the most interesting things.

I don't know if it is the weather, we had such a cool, cloudy spring long into summer.... finally warm and bright last few days.... but I can't get a broody hen. I have two that have done it before.... off topic, but I am jealous.

Mrs K

 

[centrarchid]

they must be able to hear them. You notice the most interesting things.

I don't know if it is the weather, we had such a cool, cloudy spring long into summer.... finally warm and bright last few days.... but I can't get a broody hen. I have two that have done it before.... off topic, but I am jealous.

Mrs K

You need one game hen, just one, and your broody dearth will end. Some are entering third broody cycle of the season and might be able to squeeze out a fourth before heavy part of molt started.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well we will see, I got an accidental or whoops chick, when I ordered my meat birds. White with a splash of apricot. Stiff tail feathers and flighty as all get out. Others looking at the picture suggested a game bird.

She is not even laying yet, so we will have to wait and see, but what I love about this hobby. Always something new.

Mrs K

 

[centrarchid]

Well we will see, I got an accidental or whoops chick, when I ordered my meat birds. White with a splash of apricot. Stiff tail feathers and flighty as all get out. Others looking at the picture suggested a game bird.

She is not even laying yet, so we will have to wait and see, but what I love about this hobby. Always something new.

Mrs K

Mine are really tame if you are into that. Some come when called and otherwise leave you alone.

 

[aart]

Yep, my dog has let me know when internal pips are happening under a broody.
Really gave me a charge to observe it.
They can hear much better than we can.