Having a hen sit on eggs

[Bbcatcher]

Hello all-

I'm new here but not to livestock and poultry. I am wanting to get some hatching guinea fowl eggs, but currently only have pullets that are only 3 months old so no eggs yet. I'm considering purchasing hens from people around me as they're cheaper than buying an incubator, ans I think it'd just be more fun.

My question is, I know there are "broody hens", but from what I've been reading not every hen will sit on the eggs? Is that true? If so, how would I know if the new hens are "broody hens"

Thanks

 

[BellsCluckers]

I'm all about the broodys! What a great way to hatch, (naturally). As for knowing if she is a broody hen or not first you have to get a breed that is known for brooding. My best luck has been with Buff Orpington, and Silkies, but there are other breeds that are known for brooding as well. You really can't tell by the chicken you kinda have to wait till the (Broody is in the Moody). Or encourage her by putting golf balls into a nesting box to see if she will sit. Some will sit and some wont. It all depends on the individual chicken. I think your best luck would be to get a breed that is known for brooding to higher your chances of the behavior. I currently have two Buffs that are broody with fertile eggs under them. Let me know if this helps or if you need more specifics.

 

[BellsCluckers]

Oh and even if she is broody some hens will abandon the eggs after a while or reject the chicks as they hatch so just be on the watch and have and incubator ready just in case. This is also a specific behavior from an individual chicken. You just have to keep watch just in case.