First time broody hen!

[ThouneFamily]

Oh dear, I am a first time chicken owner and my 1yr old just went broody. She is pecking at me if I try to get near her! Can I add eggs to her box? How do I get her to eat and drink? How long does it take to hatch an egg? When can I candle to see if it's viable? I hope someone can help me!

-Justina

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I guess you're talking about finding fertile eggs to put under her. Just add enough that she can cover and she'll appreciate them. Incubation of chicken eggs is 21 days. I don't candle. I just leave the hen alone. IMO, those that will hatch do so, those that won't don't.
You don't get her to eat and drink. Make sure food and water is available. She'll get up about once a day to eat, drink, defecate and stretch - then back into the trance.
Since she won't be laying eggs, it's better for her to have a grower feed during the whole broody period.
Make sure you mark all the eggs under her at onset of incubation so you can remove any volunteers.

 

[iwiw60]

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search?q=broody+hatch