First time broody

[albodean]

Hi all,

I have just received 6 fertilised LF light Sussex eggs to put under my broody.

These are the first chickens I have had, I have had them since 4 months old and they are now near a year old.

One of them went broody for 3 weeks a couple of months back and 2 weeks ago she started again so I have bought her some fertilised eggs to try and hatch.

Please can you help me with any tips at all for what to do and expect? Please ask if you need any further information.

Thanks,

Alex

 

[Pork Pie]

The best thing about a broody is she will do all the work. Some people keep the broody separate from the flock, others leave them in a nest of their choice within the coop. If you do the latter, just ensure that you remove additional eggs that may have been layed by other birds on a daily basis. This means marking the fertile eggs.

You may wish to drop by this thread - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/july-2017-hatchalong.1180970/

This link may also be useful - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-letting-broody-hens-hatch-and-raise-chicks.65989/

And this - https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...hatch-a-long-and-informational-thread.457488/

 

[albodean]

Thanks for the reply! I am keeping her in the coop with the other girls and on the spot in the nesting box she has chosen. I have also marked the fertile eggs with marker pen.

Thank you for linking the threads, I'll have a read through now!

 

[chickens really]

I separate my Broody Hens and set up in a brooder with feed and water...less stress on the Hen...After the Chicks hatch I wait a week and introduce back to the flock...Momma Hen will keep them safe....

 

[albodean]

I separate my Broody Hens and set up in a brooder with feed and water...less stress on the Hen...After the Chicks hatch I wait a week and introduce back to the flock...Momma Hen will keep them safe....

Thanks for your reply!

Can I ask how it is less stressful for the hen? I had read somewhere that it is less stressful for the hen to let them stay in the spot they have chosen and keep being able to interact with the flock?

At the moment I am taking her off the nest at around 5pm each day so I can collect the newly laid eggs and she can go and do what she needs to do before returning to the eggs. Is this an okay way to proceed?

Thanks,
Alex

 

[chickens really]

Thanks for your reply!

Can I ask how it is less stressful for the hen? I had read somewhere that it is less stressful for the hen to let them stay in the spot they have chosen and keep being able to interact with the flock?

At the moment I am taking her off the nest at around 5pm each day so I can collect the newly laid eggs and she can go and do what she needs to do before returning to the eggs. Is this an okay way to proceed?

Thanks,
Alex

Less stress because no other Hen can keep jumping into her nest and lay eggs..Hens like quiet and solitude while setting...They as you must know already? Get protective of their eggs and then the Chicks....My Hen is setting again and due this week....In my garage in her Brooder and Ill put them with the flock after about a week....

 

[albodean]

Hi all,

I left all the eggs under my broody in the hope that something might happen.

Hatching day I had marked as today and I can hear tweeting coming from inside one of the eggs! Do I need to do anything or will the broody still take care of it from here?

Thanks,

Alex

 

[chickens really]

Hi all,

I left all the eggs under my broody in the hope that something might happen.

Hatching day I had marked as today and I can hear tweeting coming from inside one of the eggs! Do I need to do anything or will the broody still take care of it from here?

Thanks,

Alex

Leave it and do not interfere at all.....The hen needs privacy now....

 

[albodean]

Leave it and do not interfere at all.....The hen needs privacy now....

Thanks! I'll let her do her thing. When can you first handle the chicks?

 

[chickens really]

Momma will get stressed and will want to protect them from you...Just stand back and let Momma raise them...My Hens with Chicks I leave alone to raise the Chicks..My Hens are friendly and like me so when all are out free ranging I just make my usual call and all the Chicks come running to me too...I never handle any of my Birds....