Hatching buddy? Set today, due May 18th

[hokankai]

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Molly never pecks or bites. She'll growl and get very puffy, but if I start stroking her back she starts clucking at me. Molly's the sweetest of our chickens, so I'm happy she's gonna be a mama

 

[empireranch]

I have a mixed flock and the BLRW is the lowest ranking hen. I think she is relieved to be away from the rest of them. She puffs up when I get near, but hasn't done more than that....yet! She did get off the nest, but doesn't seem to be eating that much. I have food and water in the cage, but she came out with the others. She doesn't seem that interested in the layer feed - what should they be eating? Also, how long can they be off the nest at this point - I'm sure it is on this site somewhere.....

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

When my Austalorp went broody 3-4 months ago she growled and clucked.
Chip (my current broody) usually doesnt bite, but she kept tapping me with her beak today, guess shes extra cranky today, I guess I would be too if I had to wait in a nest for another 20 days.

All my girls let me touch them while they lay eggs etc EXCEPT my RiR she squaks at me and bites, I doubt she will go broody (now watch, tomorrow she will be broody..... ) hahah My flock is only 1 year old, and I have had 2 different broodies so far, but Chip went broody twice now, and my other Australorp go once. And I have had pretty good luck, but im trying to keep Chip covered up so the others dont catch her "broody diease" Hahahah!

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

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Whats the temp, anything lower then 70 degrees, I wouldent let her out longer then 10 mins. Though broodys are pretty good at telling how long they should be off the nest.

 

[hokankai]

That's kind of the same as me! Our girls are almost 9 months and we've also had two broodies so far. Our BO and GLW. The GLW has been broody twice now and this is the BO's 3RD time, so I figured I'd give in and let her hatch some eggs

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

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Well, I give mine layers mash, If she doesnt eat much now, she will get hungry soon and eat. Mine isnt eating much right now either, But in her cage there is ALWAYS food and water for her

just keep it availible, she'll come around and eat it.

 

[empireranch]

I got my girls last June - so they are about 10 months old. This is the 2nd time the BLRW has gone broody. She seemed much more serious about it this time, so here we are!

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

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Haha I guess where the broody flock keepers

I feel that everytime I get a broody I should offer her a couple of eggs, I mean whats the harm? if she wants to be a mom so be it, Though if its there first time mothering and the quits on me I won't give them a second chance if they want eggs in the future, but so far no hen has done that

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

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thats good shes more serious, I remember Chip (her first time brooding) she would spend 5-10 mins off the nest in -0 weather. So I would take a clamp light and cover the eggs so they diddent get too cold, but she worried me at times, but did it and made me proud

 

[7&8]

I have a first time broody LF Barred Rock sitting on 12 or so eggs...I'll know for sure when I candle on the eighth day, May 5th.

date: May 18th. Nice to have company!!! I'll post pics soon!