NewBie

[MaryMaryTurkeyGirl]

Hi, I'm new here but I've been getting lots of wonderful information during my searches on google, so I've decided to join and say, Thank You. Because of this group I have successfully hatched 3 chicks and 1 turkey over the last week. I had Chickens most my life but due to a terrible accident I have not had a coop for several years, I'm so happy to be doing this again but I did need your help. I live in a colder climate but did not lose anyone this winter so I have a strong stock. They have not started to brood, not sure why. They are 1 year 0ld and I did incubate some of their eggs, which have hatched. Most did not but that was my error. The only thing I have not accomplished is a setting Hen with her own brood, so any suggestions?? I have 2 roosters, 1 is a beautiful Icelantic and the other (meany) is a Barred Rock. 7 Hens left after a lovely Bald Eagle swooped by. The Boys get on fine as long as they keep to their own gals, lol. Only 1 Icelantic Hen left, but I have a chick.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello Mary and welcome to BYC. I hope that you enjoy your time here. Finding a hen from a breed known for bloodiness is likely your best bet, imo.

This is a useful link to take a look at - “How to...” guides. You may wish to consider including your location (using the guide in the link above). You can use this link to contact members in your area - U.S. States, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada (for other countries, check here - Where am I? Where are you!)

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[feathermaid]

So many chicken breeds these days have the broodiness bred right out of them! Some breeds are more prone to becoming broody, like silkies, but those ones are not quite suited for your climate. Sometimes you just have to wait til the mood strikes, which will probably be the most inconvenient time for you, lol! You could try offering some more private nest boxes, maybe with a curtain over the front, and fill them with some ceramic eggs to encourage the "nesting" instinct.

Best wishes with your flock!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC and back to poultry raising. I wish you success with your flock.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi &

Enjoy your time here with us on BYC

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined us at Backyard Chickens, the pulse beat of the chicken community.

 

[50-45-1]

Hi and glad you joined us.
Your flock sounds wonderful.
I think hatching chicks under a broody is so much easier and i enjoy so much watching broody mom teach her chicks how to navigate this world.
There is alot of information on broody hens and hatching chicks on this site. Different things work for different folks.
I prefer separating my broodyies to a broody hutch where they are undisturbed for a time.
Welcome to the backyard!

 

[Leahs Coop]

Hello, and a warm welcome to Backyard Chickens! It's great to have you here with us.

 

[drumstick diva]

Mary if you click on the forums at top of page, then scroll down to "Turkey forum," you can ask your specific questions there.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Mary, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Unfortunately, the hens go broody when they darn well feel like it. I had two. The first started going broody when my purchased chicks were about 7 weeks old. Nice timing, dear.
The second went broody last week. I absolutely cannot break her. So I gave her 4 eggs on the 4th of July from my favorite 4 layers. And here she is on her nest that I whipped up for her in the built in brooder in my coop.