Fertilized Eggs under Broody Hen-QUESTIONS....

[capebird]

I've placed 4 fertilized eggs under my Plymouth Barred Rock that's gone broody. She's been sitting
on these eggs for 2 weeks. I never see her get off the eggs and out of the nest box to get food and/or
water or to relieve herself. I suppose she is, but I don't see it happen. 1st question: Should I put a bowl
of water and some food in the nest box with her? 2nd question: I gather if these eggs are going to hatch
it will happen in about 6 days. Should I move (surrogate) mother and chicks to another location or leave them
in the coop and run with the other 3 Barred Rocks that I have?

Thanks very much for the suggestions.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have hatched out under broody hens for five years. The more I interfered, the more wrecks I had. I finally have found that letting them pick the nest, eat when they want, and hatch what they can works best.

I would leave her alone. If it gets terrible hot, I will scoop up a little water to give her, but I only had one broody hen that would drink it, the rest are in a trance.

If you want this to work, just leave them alone. Often times chicks hatch on day 20, not 21. If you can let your layers out of the run, just to give her a bit more space, but I would not move her, or bother her either.

It is a hard wait, but letting her manage it works best. Some people fret about the other chickens getting the chicks, but if you have enough space, it has not been a problem for me, however, if you want to move something, move the layers for 24 hours.

This is the best way to raise chicks. She does all the work, and the rest of the flock accepts them, no reintroduction issues.

MrsK

 

[donrae]

I have hatched out under broody hens for five years. The more I interfered, the more wrecks I had. I finally have found that letting them pick the nest, eat when they want, and hatch what they can works best.

I would leave her alone. If it gets terrible hot, I will scoop up a little water to give her, but I only had one broody hen that would drink it, the rest are in a trance.

If you want this to work, just leave them alone. Often times chicks hatch on day 20, not 21. If you can let your layers out of the run, just to give her a bit more space, but I would not move her, or bother her either.

It is a hard wait, but letting her manage it works best. Some people fret about the other chickens getting the chicks, but if you have enough space, it has not been a problem for me, however, if you want to move something, move the layers for 24 hours.

This is the best way to raise chicks. She does all the work, and the rest of the flock accepts them, no reintroduction issues.

MrsK

I want this stickied lol.

Only thing to add is make sure what feed and water you have is available to the chicks, ie low enough they can reach. Those of us used to mammals can forget the chicks are on their own for all sustanence! My experience has been a little longer on the hatch time, sometimes several days later, so don't get impatient.