I've got a broody!

[srd5757]

I was really excited, our speckled sussex went broody. She's practiced one other time but she was only on the nest for 2 days and didn't sleep there. This time she's been on all week! I was really excited, until... I can't find any fertile eggs for her. ;(
I looked on here and online, but I don't want to make her wait so long for eggs plus I read that the hatch rate is lower and since this would be her and I's first hatch that makes me hesitant.
I've messaged several people on craigslist that have eggs or chickens for sale asking about hatching eggs, but got no's or no response at all. I only know one other person that has chickens, but she sells her eggs and said they are not producing as well right now so she doesn't have any to spare. ;(
Boo...
Now I'm trying to decide what to do, maybe I should just put her in a dog crate and break the broodiness.

 

[HEChicken]

Yay for the broody - I still get excited when I have a hen go broody so I understand. I was fortunate to have several people respond to my ad on Craigslist for fertile eggs. Have you placed an ad yourself or just contacted people who have ads for eggs out there themselves. I would suggest placing your own ad if you haven't already.

The other thing you might try is go to the "Where am I? Where are you?" section and find the thread that is for your area. Most states in the US have one but there is also one for Australians and a few other places in the world. Once you have located the thread, introduce yourself and ask if anyone close to you might have fertile eggs.

 

[jtbrown]

Also, have you checked with anyone locally who sells eggs? Many times there are fertile eggs there if they have a rooster loose but they don't advertise them that way. Also, if you have anyone who regularly free ranges that you see as you drive by, stop and ask them.

We had our first broody (my second year with chickens), well 4 broodies. They hatched 8 out of 10 eggs I bought on Craig's list as fertile hatching eggs. It worked so well, I cannot imagine brooding chickens again under a light, but I probably will. It is so hands-off and easy with a good momma chicken. Good luck, it is a great experience.

Also, if you live near a Trader Joe's they sell fertile eating eggs, and you could try your hand at that just to see.

Good luck!