How Do You Know....

[CK Chickadilly]

How do you know your hen is broody? What does she act like or what does she do?

Once you establish she is broody, then how do you get her to sit on eggs for you?

 

[chickenlady]

She will stay on the nest all the time. Getting up only to eat, drink, and poop occasionally. Her poop will be very large and stinky. Some get angry if bothered. You can give her golf balls, or other eggs to sit on for a week and see if she stays there. If so, just give her real eggs. Some broodies give up after a little bit. You can always just put the good eggs under her and hope for the best. What kind of hen and how old is she? Has she ever hatched eggs before?

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

she will also get a "broody patch" under her breast area. She will loose feathers in this area so that she can keep her skin in total contact with the eggs during incubation. You wont "get her" to sit on eggs, she will do it naturally, on her bodies schedule.

I've also noticed that you have a lot of basic type questions. I'm just wondering, but have you done any reading such as "Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" or any other 'how to' books?

If not, you may want to pick one up at the library. They are really good to start with to build a basic foundation of poultry knowledge.

 

[CK Chickadilly]

I don't have any yet that are broody, but was just wondering what to expect.

I actually have the Storey's Raising Chickens book, I have been reading a couple others right now & haven't gotten to it. Guess I better put those down & pick the the Storeys for now.

Just preparing for what's ahead. Mine are all to young yet to be broody.

Thanks!

 

[cmom]

Storey's guide is excellent as well as the wonderful people on this web site.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Yes it is a GREAT book. There are some others too.

I also liked "Living With Chickens" by J. Rossier.

And there are some great people here on BYC with lots of information. I wasn't meaning that to sound rude, or defer her from the forum, I was just making a suggestion because I think everyone should have a good foundation to build upon.

 

[CK Chickadilly]

I know you weren't being rude

I did get the Storey's book out & it is by far the better book. I also just got Living with Chickens & haven't started it yet. Better thumb thru that one too. & yup, I love BYC, so many experienced people, sometimes worth more than books I think.