incubate or use broody hen

[cmobley]

Ok so my 2 eggs of 12 that are growing are supposed to hatch this sunday. I have a hen that started setting 3 days ago and hasnt budged iff her nest of fake eggs. Should i just keep mine in incubator or go ahead and set them under her tonight. Shes a gold laced wyandotte she faked a broody spell a mknth or so back but just for one day. Nevermind just checked last 2 eggs theyre also dead no more hatching eggs in the mail for me.

 

[GitaBooks]

Broodies are awesome, they help chicks learn things that people never can teach them. I raise chicks in brooders and with broodies and I find that those raised with broodies are happier (and easier to care for on my part).

I'm sorry to hear about the eggs. Yeah, mail-order isn't always reliable. Are there local farmers who have hatching eggs? Even just a friend who's got some hens and a rooster? You could get hatching eggs this way.


Best of luck!

 

[Teila]

Hey there cmobley

I am sorry to hear about your eggs.

Eggs I picked up locally and those that were posted have yielded approximately 70% hatch rate for me but I always use a broody and do not own an incubator.

I definitely think letting a broody raise the little ones is the way to go; nothing more guaranteed to bring a smile to your face than watching a very proud mother hen teach her babies

 

[donrae]

If you want to hatch chicks with her and don't have a rooster, you can always advertise on your CL or state thread here looking for fertile eggs.