My first broody hatch.

[chickfused]

I've got 2 girls. They are both due this weekend through Tuesday and have 9 developing eggs.

I've never done this before. They are in a safe, predator free, floor level environment.

For those of you who've done broodies, what did you wish you knew the first time around?

And are the mamas going to fight off all the local cats when she wants to take them outside? Can chicks do ramps?

 

[cece_chickens]

I've got 2 girls. They are both due this weekend through Tuesday and have 9 developing eggs.

I've never done this before. They are in a safe, predator free, floor level environment.

For those of you who've done broodies, what did you wish you knew the first time around?

And are the mamas going to fight off all the local cats when she wants to take them outside? Can chicks do ramps?

As long as the ramp isn’t too steep it should be fine for the chicks. The mom might fight off the cats it really just depends. Broody hens lose a lot of weight so I’d give her some supplements

 

[chickfused]

I've got an emergency incubator setup and ready to go, starting Friday.

I'll put a long, low ramp in for the babies once they seem to want to take them for walks. There are several 15" high ledges they have to go up/down.

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

And are the mamas going to fight off all the local cats when she wants to take them outside?

It depends on each hen.

Can chicks do ramps?

The mother will probably teach them but I would keep an eye on them the first time.

For those of you who've done broodies, what did you wish you knew the first time around?

for me, where she was when she was sitting on her eggs!!! LOL!!

 

[chickfused]

Welp, they hatched 7 babies. They now raise them both equally, though they get fussy if one hen has all the chickens. They are also both jamming into the same nest. All in all, would brood again.