Help me with my broody pullet please

[Farmgirl283420]

Fern is broody! i have been watching her the past few days and it looks like she is following in the footsteps of Amelia. She keeps getting kicked off her nest. I usually intervene but I really would like for her to be able to do it herself, rather than blocking her off and letting her out every morning. I have some of my flocks offspring in the flock and I was wondering can I breed them back to my rooster? Is that going to make babies who have problems? If you could answer these questions of mine I would be very grateful!

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Sorry due to my bad writing I’m not sure if the first question is clear. Will Fern figure out how to keep others from kicking her off her nest? or do I need to help her?

 

[Farmgirl283420]

@Mrs. K

 

[FowlProtector]

Fern sounds determined! If she's anything like Amelia, she might eventually learn to defend her nest, but some hens struggle if they're lower in the pecking order. If she keeps getting kicked off, she may need some help—especially if she's serious about sitting. You could try setting up a small, enclosed broody area for her where she won't be disturbed. Otherwise, she might keep getting displaced and give up altogether.
As for breeding offspring back to your rooster, yes, you can do it. It's called linebreeding and is actually a common practice in poultry to maintain desired traits. Inbreeding issues usually arise after multiple generations of close breeding, but one generation of father-daughter or half-sibling breeding isn’t likely to cause major problems. Just keep an eye out for any weaknesses in the chicks—things like poor vigor, deformities, or low hatch rates. If you start seeing issues, bringing in some fresh genetics might be a good idea.
Sounds like you have an exciting time ahead! Are you thinking of letting Fern hatch some eggs soon?

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Hi! Thanks so much for answering. I was trying to decide whether to get some chicks and try to slip them under her, so I could bring in some new blood. Or if I should let her hatch some of her own, although this might be a problem if she can’t keep one nest. She’s a sweet friendly girl but I have the feeling she might not tolerate me to the same degree Amelia does. What would you do if this was your situation? I also want Fern to raise them in the coop as I’m going away in May.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Here’s Fern! She’s actually Amelia’s daughter.

 

[FowlProtector]

If I were you, I’d slip chicks under Fern. It brings in new blood, ensures success, and avoids hatch risks—especially since she’s struggling to keep a nest. Wait until she’s been broody for 2–3 weeks, then introduce chicks at night.
If you hatch eggs, she’ll need a protected spot to stay consistent. Since you’re leaving in May, keeping it simple is best. Do you think she’d accept chicks easily, or is she more skittish?

 

[Farmgirl283420]

If I were you, I’d slip chicks under Fern. It brings in new blood, ensures success, and avoids hatch risks—especially since she’s struggling to keep a nest. Wait until she’s been broody for 2–3 weeks, then introduce chicks at night.
If you hatch eggs, she’ll need a protected spot to stay consistent. Since you’re leaving in May, keeping it simple is best. Do you think she’d accept chicks easily, or is she more skittish?

She’s very gentle so I’m guessing she would, i can’t see her attacking them. Thanks for the advice I’ll keep you let you know how it goes.