first year hatching!

[barredrockroo32]

I am trying to hatch my own chicks under a broody hen for the first time this spring and have a few beginner questions.1st... So i have 5 hens and 1 rooster and so i may only get 3 eggs a day but i would like 7 or 8 to put under my hens so what should i do with my eggs until i have enough stocked up to put under the hen.2nd... so will i need to take my broody hen and her eggs and put them in a seperate coop or not, if not when my chicks hatch will i need to seperate them from the other hens and rooster? and is it ok to handle the fertile eggs and how do i know if my eggs are fertile? .... Thanks for your help! only positive feedback please!!

 

[PD-Riverman]

I am trying to hatch my own chicks under a broody hen for the first time this spring and have a few beginner questions.1st... So i have 5 hens and 1 rooster and so i may only get 3 eggs a day but i would like 7 or 8 to put under my hens so what should i do with my eggs until i have enough stocked up to put under the hen.2nd... so will i need to take my broody hen and her eggs and put them in a seperate coop or not, if not when my chicks hatch will i need to seperate them from the other hens and rooster? and is it ok to handle the fertile eggs and how do i know if my eggs are fertile? .... Thanks for your help! only positive feedback please!!

Your eggs should be fertile if you have a active rooster with them. ""I"" always collect ALL eggs Every day even from under a hen that might be going broody-----don't let her set on them for several days then remove----ALWAYS collect every day. ""I"" save enough eggs---keeping them in a cool spot---to set her-----a big hen can cover 12 or 14 without a problem. """"I have fake eggs and will add a few to the broody's nest to give her something to set on till I get the eggs collected. """I""" then move All My broody hens to a private pen----I do this carefully so she does not leave the nest. She will have food/water and a area to get off the nest. After the move I remove the fake eggs and set her---making note of the date. Some allow her to stay with the rest of the chickens, Marking the set eggs so they can remove ALL fresh Layed Eggs in her nest DAILY. I have had broody hens getting into to many fights, had chicks killed by other hens. If I am keeping the chicks----"""I""" always keep the chicks separated from the flock until they are grown and can protect themselves. Its My Way and a way that keeps my broody hens from getting into fights and my chicks safe. Some other hens might be sweet to the new chicks-----you will have to see if you want to mix them.

 

[barredrockroo32]

Thanks a lot!

 

[barredrockroo32]

I came up with some more questions i need answers too! So first off how do i know which of my 5 hens are laying and which are not, also how do i make my Hens broody and how am i sure my eggs or fertile or if my rooster is active cause i havnt seen Him "working his magic". Thanks!

 

[lilwildrabbit]

I didn't see this forum before but I'm a first year hatcher too! I'm on my second hatch getting ready for number 3