North Carolina

[ScaredOfShadows]

Broody fever here...

SO I now have 3 hens with chicks (2 silkies and a OEGB)

1 who has eggs hatching as I type (two out so far)

AND 3 MORE hens that JUST went broody in the past week...

 

[marlowmanor]

So I went out to gather the eggs today and one of the EE hens was sitting in one of the nest boxes. I didn't think much of it. I tossed out the scraps I had for the chickens and the other hens went for them but the one in the nest box still sat there. I gathered the eggs that were in the box beside her but didn't want to try to get the ones under her because I was afraid to get pecked (I've never reached under a chicken before!). So I told DH about it and let him get the other eggs. He said she was sitting there yesterday too when he gathered eggs. She didn't do any major puffing up at me like I hear other broodies do and really they aren't that old. These hens are only 10 months old. Could she be trying to go broody on us? What other signs do I need to look for? I wasn't planning on more chicks this season and I'm not sure how to handle it. I know somewhere I can get some hatching eggs cheap but I know I would have to seperate the broody hen somehow and I can't think of a good way to do that other than put her in where the chicks are currently, but then I would have to integrate the chicks with the adults and I don't kow that they are old enough for that yet.

So many decisions, and I feel like I am counting my chickens before they hatch (literally!

) because I don't even know if she is truly broody or not.

In case it was missed because of the posts about birds lost. Sorry to all those who have lost birds.

So one of my EEs I think may be thinking about going broody. I just sold all my adult roosters so I am pretty sure none of her eggs are fertile now. I'm curious if anyone nearby has fertile hatching eggs available that I could put under her (assuming she is actually going broody on me). This is my first broody so I really have no clue what I am looking for.

I've mentioned it on BYH though and they are pretty sure she is going broody on me. I have to discuss with DH whether we actually want to let her hatch eggs for us, but I want to see what kind of fertile hatching eggs are available for me to get too. I would love some Marans, true Ameracaunas, Polish, other crested breeds would be neat too, Orpingtons I also don't mind mixes as long as they are LF breeds.

I'm in Davidson county right near the Rowan county line. I am close to Lexington and Salisbury. May be able to do WS too but not sure. DH is picky about how far we travel for animals.

 

[ramirezframing]

marlow, hens are fertile for 3 weeks after a visit from a roo. she might still be fertile by your roos

 

[marlowmanor]

marlow, hens are fertile for 3 weeks after a visit from a roo. she might still be fertile by your roos

Well since it has only been 10 days since we got rid of the last roo maybe we will just let her sit on some of our own eggs. She is only 10 months old and this is her first time going broody. I have no incubator for backup if she slacks off. I'd be ticked if I put money in eggs and she didn't do it right. I can always sell the chicks if I don't want to keep them.

 

[NewHomesteader2010]

NH- my cochin would steal eggs from my other broody even though she was raising 8 babies of her own, it was like she was saying I'm the only momma in here! hope Dutchess gets to sit on her eggs in peace.

my cochin Lily FINALY started laying last week

after raising her babies for 8 weeks. and now she is BROODY AGAIN.
and while she keeps going broody... i have yet to have any of my silkies go broody

finaly got some sunshine here

any more rain and my coops, barn, and house were gonna float down the road.


have a good day everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay for having a broody...again, although sorry your Silkies aren't the ones doing it!!

I find it funny that your cochin was an egg stealer too!! Perhaps you're right, as she was the first to go broody, first to hatch any (even if it was just 1) so I guess she is telling all the girls she is the resident "expert" now!!

Although she doesn't steal any eggs from the other broody cochin, but perhaps that's because she is across the coop in a different nesting box and Dutchess is in the box next to "hers". Either that, or she is just a big meanie and doesn't like Dutchess!! LOL

I have been enjoying the rain as I don't have to REMEMBER to water the garden, but I do feel for some of you who seem to get flooded out!! We have a well too, so I am always glad when it rains so I know I get a smidgen more water to wash yet another load of diapers or something. DD#1 has decided she will NOT be potty trained so I told her if she wants to get married in diapers, that's her choice. LOL - good thing that is a FAR FAR FAR FAR distant possibility. She can start looking at boys when she's oh...30!! LOL Needless to say, there is an abundance of dirty diapers here and the washer seems to be always running...this is just prep-work for when we have a house full of children I guess. I have decided we need at least 10 chickens per child, so therefore if DH wants 6 children (or more) that means we need at least 60 chickens...although ducks count towards that number as well - but we don't have any ducks...YET. I wonder how DH will like my logic. Beth & Alex have corrupted him, as he now wants an incubator and meat birds

We NEED more land now!! LOL

Matt - beautiful quilt!! I have always wanted to make a Dresden quilt, but I could never bring myself to do it.

Hollow - SO happy to hear your girl was okay and even better that the dogs sounded the alarm!! I think they deserve an extra treat...or something!!

 

[jdeoliveira74]

I think it is the place that I get my feed from. Well, I buy my feed from a local store, but the bags say it made in Goldsboro. Think it is Carolina Pride. Isn't that what you feed also?
I wonder if I can buy direct from them......

I believe your correct..

 

[MaryRuthLangdon]

Beautiful day outside today!

I had 2 visitors come see me today... it was a wonderful visit. I always like showing off my chickens and talking shop.

Beth... you and Julian are welcome to stop by anytime and bring the rest of the family next time. We will pick some blueberries and grapes. And maybe we will have some goodies in the garden by then... I will hook you up.

I hope everyone has had a fabulous day!

 

[BHep]

Beautiful day outside today!

I had 2 visitors come see me today... it was a wonderful visit. I always like showing off my chickens and talking shop.

Beth... you and Julian are welcome to stop by anytime and bring the rest of the family next time. We will pick some blueberries and grapes. And maybe we will have some goodies in the garden by then... I will hook you up.

I hope everyone has had a fabulous day!

Thank you for having us. Eggs and chicks are settled in. Jullian showed off his toys and kept saying "Josh Toys". Awwww... he slept for 2 1/2 hours when we got home.

Bre wanted to know about the mud on my shirt..... I got to brag about the piglet.

We would love to come back and pick some blueberries and talk chicken !!!!

 

[anbsmom]

I have good news. All 12 of the eggs I set in the bator on Sunday are developing. They all have veins and the little dark spot. This isn't a good photo, but you can still see the veins.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have good news. All 12 of the eggs I set in the bator on Sunday are developing. They all have veins and the little dark spot. This isn't a good photo, but you can still see the veins.

for your eggies!!