I need recommendations and advice. . . . Broody

[Peppercorngal]

I have had a few broody hens in the past few years and have one right now. I'm thinking that I should get a incubator and a candler, what brand would you recommend? My current broody, Maggie, stayed on the nest and would not leave it for 14 days! Because I was worried for her health I put water and 20% chick feed in little cups for her. She only ate when I put it in her face, but at least I knew she would live! Today, (the 15th day) as I was tending the flock, she suddenly started squawking and flew off the nest and out of the run. She pooped quite a bit and ate and scratched and then roosted and preened. I didn't know if she was "done" or if she would return to the nest. I know I should be candling the eggs, and need to get one. As it turned out, she did return and is setting again now. Should I have an incubator in case a hen stops setting in the middle of the incubation period? At least she decided to set in our #2 coop, and not with all the other hens! Two chicks were killed when they hatched at night to my EE (Broody is her name) in #1 coop where all the hens live with the rooster. Run and #2 coop are open and used as a "hang out" during the day (especially when raining) for the flock, but they return and sleep in #1 Run and coop.
Thanks, any recommendations will be helpful!!

 

[aart]

I like to put broody in a space separated by wire but in sight of the flock, with enough space to get off nest stretch her legs and poop. Feed and water are kept away from nest and I will get them out every few days if they don't do it on their own.
I also get her used to me checking things, touching her, peeking underneath....
...good to have her trust you in case the need for intervention arises,
like when chick became tangled tightly around the neck in her breast feathers.

Any decently bright flashlight can be used for candling.
Whether to have a incubator as backup is up to you.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I also separate broodies from the rest of the flock and re-integrate when the chicks are older. I like having an incubator around, just in case, but one lesson I learned that I'll share is the broody will usually return, even if she's off the nest for what seems like "too" long.

I had a Gold Laced Wyandotte that was broody, so I let her sit on some eggs. I kept watching to make sure she didn't abandon them...and, one day, it looked like she had. I retrieved the eggs and put them in the trash bin (gently). To my surprise, she came back, looking for her eggs! Yikes!! I fished them back out of the trash and she resumed sitting. Half hatched (I didn't candle, so they may have been infertile) and she was an amazing mom. I'll always give the broody the benefit of the doubt - they seem to know how long they can be away.

Re incubators, you may find this thread helpful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/incubator-recommendations.72596/. I have two Hova Bator 1588s (Genesis), a Hova Bator 2370, and a Brinsea Octagon Advance 20.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I like to put broody in a space separated by wire but in sight of the flock, with enough space to get off nest stretch her legs and poop. Feed and water are kept away from nest and I will get them out every few days if they don't do it on their own.
I also get her used to me checking things, touching her, peeking underneath....
...good to have her trust you in case the need for intervention arises,
like when chick became tangled tightly around the neck in her breast feathers.

Any decently bright flashlight can be used for candling.
Whether to have a incubator as backup is up to you.

Thanks for your response Aart! Maggie is used to me touching her while she sets, she doesn't seem to mind at all. I was happy to see her off the nest for a few minutes today. She chose the perfect place to brood too. I never put food in the coops, only in the runs and she, like the rest of the flock, is allowed to free range during the day. I tried to candle her eggs with a small flashlight that I carry in my purse for emergencies (there's a story there!) but It's too weak and I didn't see anything. Can you tell me what it should look like if I find a strong enough flashlight? They are 15 days now. Thanks so much!

 

[Peppercorngal]

I also separate broodies from the rest of the flock and re-integrate when the chicks are older. I like having an incubator around, just in case, but one lesson I learned that I'll share is the broody will usually return, even if she's off the nest for what seems like "too" long.

I had a Gold Laced Wyandotte that was broody, so I let her sit on some eggs. I kept watching to make sure she didn't abandon them...and, one day, it looked like she had. I retrieved the eggs and put them in the trash bin (gently). To my surprise, she came back, looking for her eggs! Yikes!! I fished them back out of the trash and she resumed sitting. Half hatched (I didn't candle, so they may have been infertile) and she was an amazing mom. I'll always give the broody the benefit of the doubt - they seem to know how long they can be away.

Re incubators, you may find this thread helpful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/incubator-recommendations.72596/. I have two Hova Bator 1588s (Genesis), a Hova Bator 2370, and a Brinsea Octagon Advance 20.

Thank you, I'll check the reference out!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Thank you, I'll check the reference out!

YVW...best of luck!

 

[aart]

I use an LED flashlight that's about 1 1/2" across the lens and has 7 bulbs.
Nice size to wrap my hand around flashlight end and egg to block any stray light.
Fresh batteries before every incubation.
Candle in the darkest place possible for better visibility.

Can you tell me what it should look like if I find a strong enough flashlight? They are 15 days now.

Let me google that for ya