My First Batch of Babies - Broody Hen

[tdgill]

Babies are due on wednesday...such a good broody mamma. Any tips you want to share? I am sooo excited but nervous.

 

[SmartyChick]

congrats I

broodies. My advice? Just keep an eye on things just in case, but let nature take it's course, it is a wonderful experience! And I don't know if you were planning on it, but I would isolate her like Tuesday so she has "privacy" when the big event happens.

 

[tdgill]

thanks! I am soooo excited!

 

[nzpouter]

shallow drinkers, good isolated shelter like a rabbit hutch, make sure hen/ housing is mites free.

 

[tdgill]

been working on that project as we speak....wish i had it started done long ago. any special concerns with dusted hen and chicks? i finally found some DE a few weeks ago and have had that in the hens dust bath, but also have wanted to dust her with prozap but was concerned about eggs/chicks

 

[write2caroline]

My broody hatched three and I was all concerned - I make sure the water is fresh and clean and they have food and Momma Dot does the rest! She really doesn't need my help at all. I do have them separate from the flock and a couple of times she has integrated them all herself. She got out with the chicks a couple of times. They hatched May 10th. It was the easiest way to raise the babies and a lot of fun! Enjoy!
Caroline

 

[Farmer_Dan]

We have 8 eggs under 2 broodies that are due to hatch tuesday or wendesday also!!

Also getting our first batch of meaties (25) on wednesday or thursday. We've put the broodies into a brooder this last weekend and they seem calm and happy. Hopefully they're ready to have 30+ babies!!

 

[tdgill]

I hear peeping! but don't see any cracks yet. Once in a bit i get a glimpse of what is under her...

 

[tdgill]

We have at least three new babies so far!! They are black like their daddy Gonna be interesting to see what these little ones end up looking like! Gonna have some olive eggers in this bunch hopefully.