Hi BYC, I've got my first broody (GLW) and want to give her some eggs to incubate. I first noticed her broody last night when I closed the coop...she is just adorable in a little puffy puddle, screeching at me and puffing up, in her nest box. I can't keep more than one of the chicks she might hatch once they grow up to 3mo or so, so I want to pick a desirable breed that other people would want after they grow up to be pullets/cockerels. I wouldn't mind giving them away to good homes, I'd just like to have the experience of getting a hen to raise chicks. I really love blue wyandottes, but would be flexible, cause I think I'd need the eggs real soon. Any suggestions for where to get eggs fast and if this is a good idea? I'm putting a bowl of water and some yogurt treat near to the broody...she doesn't seem interested at all in food and I want her to stay healthy. She's a remarkable chicken, very smart and good at foraging, top of the pecking order, and I think she'll make a great mom, cause she's very gentle with me. I'm gonna research more on broodies tonight, so any suggestions are greatly appreciated! I can build a divide in my predator-proof run to isolate her and any chicks in a little shelter. Thanks!!!
Seramas hatch out faster then other chicks. Though eggs are pricey. I would just use my own (if you have a roo) or buy 6 for cheap because you never know how things will turn out the first time. You can always sale chicks right after hatching if all works out or if things didnt work out you are not out alot of money. Look on craigslist for fertile or hatching eggs you can get those in our area for $3 dz.
Serama eggs only hatch out 2 days faster and a hen that size would prolly crush them. Serama eggs are teeny. Everyone likes EE's I think... And if you have a Trader Joe's, or somewhere nearby that sells Fertile Eating eggs you can just pick some up at a store. There may be more stores that sell fertile eggs...?? Search on BYC for Trader Joe's eggs.... Best of luck! What a pretty hen!
Thanks for the tips! I ordered some mixed EE eggs in the mail (only $10/dozen 2-3 day delivery), since all the local people here seem to be out for the next week and a half and I guess I like that breed better than leghorns, from the grocery store fertile eggs! My hen is still going strong with the broodiness, lets hope the big experiment goes well at the end of the week and that she accepts the eggs!
