Let 1 year old Broody BO set 8 eggs. Now what?

[Sahraschweiss]

So my BO, who will be a year old in May, went broody, and I let her sit 8 eggs. So far we have 4 chicks and possibly 2 more based on cracking.

I didn't candle, just let her do her thing and kept food and water within her reach.

So do I need to provide heat for the space of the coop she is in? Looking at highs in the 70-80s and lows in the 60s.

Anything else I should do? She has her own coop space in the main coop separated from gen-pop. She also has her own run within the run. Everyone can see, but I touch.

 

[sourland]

Provide feed and water, and the hen will take care of everything else.

 

[Chicalina]

No extra heat necessary. Broody knows exactly what to do.

Congrats on your babies!

 

[BDutch]

Do not add heating. The broody / mamma keeps the chicks warm. Congrats with the chicks

 

[Sahraschweiss]

We have a camera in the brooder. It's been fun watching her with the little ones today.

 

[Sahraschweiss]

Got a pic of some of the chicks.

 

[50-45-1]

No extra heat, just free choice chick starter.
Congrats!

 

[Sahraschweiss]

Update:

I've been really impressed with Cindy my 1year old BO. She's been an outstanding momma.

While sitting, she would slightly raise up to show me her eggs. She never once try to peck me while checking. She carried that cooperative attitude once chicks started hatching.

Since this was my first broody, we learned as we went. At first she couldn't decide which nest she wanted and when she did, she still manage to sneak an extra egg or two into the nest.

In total, she set 6 eggs and 4 hatched over a week and a half. Yes, she stayed through a staggered hatch. The last two eggs I agonized over when to remove. Luckily she made the decision for me and kicked out the eggs four days after the last hatch.

She let's me check on and handle the babies, and even let's me help her get them back into her coop.

I read stories about mean broodies, but she's been so tolerant with me. I would definitely let her sit again.

 

[MarshyRooster]

Congrats on your little chicks!
You definitely have a wonderful mama chicken!

 

[Sahraschweiss]

Oh and pictures.