Introduction

[Pango_Flappyham_Popcorn]

It depends on the bird.

Usually. It worked for me.

Usually.
This is an example of a broody psycho.

Not always. They show distinct signs that they want to be a mother and not leave the nest. I've only had 2 that would bite and twist and one new mother flew right in my face the morning after hatch. Very reactive that one. But most of mine would just give a half-hearted peck after puffing up and flattening out to let me know they wanted to stay and keep the eggs, thank you very much.

ah thanks for the info very interesting how nature does this in them. I will defiantly give it ago when they do this. what sort of age do the hens become broody?

 

[Pango_Flappyham_Popcorn]

Welcome. I wish you well with your hatch. Your build is impressive for the cost.

Thanks its amazing what you can get for free, lots of people end up just hoarding wood and old fence posts so always worth asking around.

 

[Pango_Flappyham_Popcorn]

Some of my hens will go broody and I have to remove them from the nest, others are on and off for several days before they settle down.

I've always hatched my own eggs, but mine will stay broody for around 4 weeks. I like to hatch a few in the incubator and give the chicks to the hen. I occasionally buy pullets, and give them to a broody, because my male to female ratio, when hatching, is always high.

If you order eggs, or even buy chicks, check your broody over for lice. Being broody is rough on them, so they don't need pests making it rougher.

Do they need their own completely separate home from once they are broody? I know once they've got eggs they need to be separated but would you once they become broody? peace of mind for them?

 

[Pango_Flappyham_Popcorn]

I love my mini advance. It works great. And, It's the perfect size to keep me from overpopulating.

On the look out for one locally , fingers crossed it seems like the perfect incubator

 

[Pango_Flappyham_Popcorn]

If it’s been running a tad low on temp you may just have late chicks so still time yet when you get another thermometer you will know for sure.

This place sometimes has offers on incubators. I get all my stuff from them and they are very reliable ~ https://www.theincubatorshop.co.uk/

Ah they died I checked and nothing so I've just removed them very sad but it was defiantly the incubator. It's amazing how hard the incubator has to replicate a broody hen. I'm gonna give it to a local chicken farm and see if they can work with it, they are much more experienced. Will try when one of my hens get broody and hope for the best then.

 

[DobieLover]

what sort of age do the hens become broody?

I've had pullets go broody at 8 months old and my "go to" gal will go broody for me this year at 5 years old. The little Sebright hen in the video I posted has been going broody multiple times a year since she was about 6 months old. I let her hatch last year and she was ecstatic!

Do they need their own completely separate home from once they are broody?

No.

I know once they've got eggs they need to be separated but would you once they become broody?

They should not be separated from the flock but should be given a more private area to brood, preferably on the floor of the coop. I wrote an article about how I manage broodies that might provide you with some ideas.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Oh no I’m very sorry to hear about your eggs @Pango_Flappyham_Popcorn

 

[janiedoe]

On the look out for one locally , fingers crossed it seems like the perfect incubator

Check brinsea's website for "scratch and dent" I bought mine several years ago for a significant discount. It had a tiny scratch, no dents at all, and works perfectly.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[Boppo]

Glad to meet you, and welcome to BYC. I love your chickens' names. And I especially admire your little chicken tender there in the picture! So adorable.