Hatching eggs with a broody

[cleoandtheflock]

have any of you ever gotten fertilized eggs and hatched them under a broody hen?
What do I need to know and do

 

[Ladybird CA]

Yes it’s pretty easy just trade out any unfertile eggs with fertile ones. Mark the fertile ones if they aren’t already with a pencil, dark as you can so it doesn’t fade. Remove any new ones she lays.

Candle at 7 days and throw away any clears. You can use a flashlight or download a flashlight app to use the one on your phone.

Candle again at 14 days to look for movement.

Make sure she has food and water and when she is eating outside her nest she might make a big poop. This is good so that her nest isn’t dirty which can harm the eggs. Check the nest for poop or parasites.

 

[nparks]

Make sure your broody has been broody for a few days to a week. You want to make sure she is full blown broody won’t leave the eggs other than to eat and drink a little.

Like bantamsrmyfav said, definitely mark the fertilized eggs. I had a couple other chickens kicking my broody off her nest to lay eggs occasionally.

Have fun with it’s. I’ve done it twice and loved watching the new mother with her chicks!

 

[cleoandtheflock]

I can’t wait thank you for the great help
nparks and bantamsrmyfav

 

[nparks]

One other recommendation, it’s best to make any changes to her nest at night. It’s typically less stressful on them at night since they don’t move around much in the dark.

 

[PirateGirl]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/hatching-eggs-raising-chickens.22/

 

[chickens really]

Set her up in a private Brooder with her eggs and a space to eat and drink plus poop. She will do the rest!