Incubator VS hen

[chaseschicks]

My incubator broke... do i get another or a cochin or broody hen?

 

[Mrs. K]

I love broody hens!
Reasons:
Nothing cuter than a hen with chicks
Chicks are outside, climbing jumping eating bugs by day 2
No chick care is required, I take care of the hen (food and water) she takes care of the babies
Always the right temperature - even when the outside temp was misting and 38 degrees
Chicks are raised right in the flock, no introduction worries

problems: you can only raise chicks, when you get a broody, her schedule not yours

MrsK

 

[chaseschicks]

, her schedule not yours

what do you mean by that?

 

[bobbi-j]

It means that if you want a hen to hatch and raise chicks for you, you have to wait until you get a hen that goes broody. You can't put eggs under any old hen and expect her to decide that she wants to hatch them. If you use an incubator, you can hatch any time you want to.

 

[chaseschicks]

yes i have a broody jap its been broody for about 13-14 days