Help with broody hens!!

[PrestonSloan08]

I am new to broody hens so I was wondering how it all worked? I need as much information as I can get!!! Please help!! Thanks!!

 

[cat1994]

Ok this is the average broody hen
Well a hen goes broody after her body feels it has laid a clutch of eggs (usually about 10). She decides to sit on them until they hatch (this depends on what type of eggs they are). She will get off to eat, drink and crap and than get back on. She may be very protective of the eggs. They hatch she teaches them how to eat and drink and raises them until she fells they are fully grown.
I missed a lot but I'm sure other peps will fill in.

 

[PrestonSloan08]

Well what if I want to put some other eggs under her? How do I go about doing that?

 

[PrestonSloan08]

Anyone!?

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Broodiness is hormonal, you can't induce it.
Once the hen is a confirmed setter, she doesn't know what kind of eggs are under her. Some will set on golfballs. You can remove whatever she is setting on and put eggs of your choice under her. To be certain, do it after dark when she is asleep. Please mark them in case someone else wanders into the nest to lay while she is out pooping.
It's not advisable to let a hen set more than 4 weeks at a time. It takes a lot out of them and they lose weight. I've had luck grafting newly hatched chicks onto a setting hen or putting eggs with only a few days to go under a setter. They raise the chicks and return to lay in much better health than after a 3 week hatch.

 

[ggrap]

It is really helpful to ask a more specific question. There is a lot to cover just under the category of broody hens.

 

[PrestonSloan08]

Sorry!! It's just that I don't really have any questions!! I just don't know anything about it!! Haha

 

[PrestonSloan08]

Thanks for all the help!! But if there is anything else I need to know, just tell me!! I need all the help I can get!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they sit in the same nest 2 full days I figure they're there for the long haul. I pull the eggs under them if not fertile and insert the fertile ones and it works like magic. And yes definitely mark the eggs you want to hatch so you can pull any volunteers.
Also mark your calendar with the date you put them under her.
It's best to quarantine them by fencing off that nest box or fix up a good size cage and nest box since the other hens may attack the chicks when they start running around. Also the nest box needs to be quite low so it's easier for her to lead them in and out. And you'll want to be able to provide starter feed and water in an appropriately sized container for the chicks.

 

[PrestonSloan08]

Thanks so much this is going to help alot!!