Mist Eggs Under Broody Hen?

[thechickonthehill]

I have 8 eggs under my first broody hen and have been obsessively reading trying to make sure I don't do anything wrong. In addition to BYC threads on the subject, I have checked out several books from the library. One of the books says that if your broody hen is in a nest box (which mine is) instead of a nest on the dirt, that on days 17, 18, and 19 you should mist the eggs to make sure they have enough moisture to hatch. Does anyone do this?

 

[chicknmania]

No. The hen will take care of the eggs herself. At least in my experience, and we have had several successful hatches.

 

[thechickonthehill]

Thanks for the quick answer. Its so nice to have people around who have done this before.

 

[WiseChicks]

make sure you have a pan of water in the coop area. If you watch your hens, they will go "wade" in the water when they are off the nest eating and drinking.

I had no idea until about my 4th hatch, and just happened to catch it one day when I was feeding them.

katie