How hatching works under a broody? Newbie help please!

[PouleChick]

So to update (sorry if you have seen this on one of the other threads - I didn't want to leave it unresolved where people may be watching!):
I went down to check on her and she was off the nest again. I decided to collect the eggs up and candle them - couldn't see anything indicating life. We decided to try to float test to see what that said:

Couldn't work out what it meant
We decided that there was no life at all in any of them so opened them one by one to see this in all 4:

So she knew what she was doing when she got off yesterday and I should have believed her . So the ones that didn't make it are the Orpington, the Australorp, an Araucana, and the 4th I'm not sure - either the surprise or the Bresse). I'm thrilled as while it's sad they weren't fertile as I thought they all would be I'm so pleased that of 5 fertile ones I have 4 live chicks So based on what didn't hatch I must have 3 Araucanas - 2 stripey ones and one of another colour (pale - white or grey maybe?!) plus another that is probably a Bresse but could be the surprise if the 'Bresse' rubbed off the egg which seems unlikely as the other 2 names didn't.

Thanks so much for all your help everyone at getting us to this stage

 

[PouleChick]

 

[bobbi-j]

In my experience with broodies, they know when a hatch is done and it’s time to take care of the babies that made it. When I have had broodies hatch, the eggs that are going to hatch usually do so within 24 hours of the first one out.

 

[PouleChick]

In my experience with broodies, they know when a hatch is done and it’s time to take care of the babies that made it. When I have had broodies hatch, the eggs that are going to hatch usually do so within 24 hours of the first one out.

They are so clever aren't they! I'll trust her next time and keep what you have said in mind too!

 

[jadip4]

They are so clever aren't they! I'll trust her next time and keep what you have said in mind too!

Careful .. it's an addictive pastime

 

[Sandra Lee]

Since this thread is fairly new and I am having trouble finding the answer, may I have some help as well? (I am sure this has been posted multiple times but I'm not sure what to search!) I am also trying to hatch eggs under a broody hen, hoping they will hatch the end of this week or weekend. My coop is a few feet off the ground so I am wondering if I am supposed to close the coop door when the chicks are in there for any specific amount of time? I only have the one broody hen and 1 other hen right now. Or will the broody keep the chicks safely in the coop until they are ready to go down the ramp? Thank you! Also, do I put starter feed in the coop and grower in the run with oyster shell, or do I change it all to starter? Thanks so much for any help, and if you have any other tips I would appreciate them! I raised my first hens from chicks but since then have always bought pullets when I wanted to add to my flock. This is my first time having a broody hen so I figured I would try hatching some this time around.

 

[bobbi-j]

Is there any way to shelter the broody and chicks on the ground in the run? Maybe under the coop? Or maybe put a barrier across the bottom of the door for a few days so the chicks don’t accidentally get out (if you can put feed and water in the coop). Pictures of your setup would be helpful.

When I am feeding layers and babies, I skip the starter feed and put in an all flock grower. You can put oyster shell on the side.

 

[WVduckchick]

I also usually add a barrier to the door for a few days and put food and water inside. Then I let momma take them out whenever she decides to. But I always check them at dusk until she consistently gets them up the ramp. They usually need a little help at first, but they catch on fairly quick.
I use flock raiser thru the summer since I usually have chicks in every pen. It's just easier than trying to do multiple feeds.

 

[PouleChick]

Another quick question - more for my knowledge than it being important! We are now day 19 on broody 2 and Doris the slightly dim silkie rarely makes any noise but when she got back on her eggs after getting off this arvo for her 'bio break' she was making cute little noises - is that her talking to her eggs? If there wasn't such a racket (birds, 4 other chicks running around etc) would I be able to hear them?

 

[bobbi-j]

Another quick question - more for my knowledge than it being important! We are now day 19 on broody 2 and Doris the slightly dim silkie rarely makes any noise but when she got back on her eggs after getting off this arvo for her 'bio break' she was making cute little noises - is that her talking to her eggs? If there wasn't such a racket (birds, 4 other chicks running around etc) would I be able to hear them?

It could be that she's talking to them. At day 19, they could be starting to pip internally and she would hear that. Keep us posted. I love having broodies and chicks. Unfortunately, I lost most of my flock last year so I didn't come into spring with any chickens (I have 30 that are about 5 weeks old now) so I have to live through those of you who do have broodies hatching to enjoy it this year.