Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

Yeah! Both broodies were smashed down on their eggs this morning with no signs of stress or wanting to get out. I figured the seculsion would help. They did fine with it last time. Thankfully today is a cooler day (only in the mid 80s). So I don't mind them being closed up in the coop all day. They have ventilation because I left their window open and of course the coop has the other door open and windows open. So plenty of air movement through there. I didn't put in any food or water yet. - I'll do that when we get back from church. They had both yesterday so they will be fine until I let them out later.

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

Yeah! Both broodies were smashed down on their eggs this morning with no signs of stress or wanting to get out. I figured the seculsion would help. They did fine with it last time. Thankfully today is a cooler day (only in the mid 80s). So I don't mind them being closed up in the coop all day. They have ventilation because I left their window open and of course the coop has the other door open and windows open. So plenty of air movement through there. I didn't put in any food or water yet. - I'll do that when we get back from church. They had both yesterday so they will be fine until I let them out later.

Goodluck

 

[bobbieschicks]

Okay . That's what I plan to do from now on, I just wanted to see it hatch .

I know it's so exciting - that's the part I miss the most about not hatching in an incubator. I love watching them pip and then come out of the shell. It's so hard not to want to do that with the broody. Maybe I could put them in a glass bottom cage next time. lol!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Goodluck

You too - now the real fun begins for you - watching those broodies teach the babies how to scratch, fly, roost and scurry away from you! haha!

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

You too - now the real fun begins for you - watching those broodies teach the babies how to scratch, fly, roost and scurry away from you! haha!

I'm ready . Just hope they are good mothers... they were pecking at the pips the chicks made and pecking at the chicks... ah... broodys

 

[bobbieschicks]

I'm ready . Just hope they are good mothers... they were pecking at the pips the chicks made and pecking at the chicks... ah... broodys

That's a good thing. They were helping the chicks hatch. I watched my cockerel do that to his hatch mates in the bator. Freaked me out until I realized that's how they help sometimes. I had six hatch and he helped two out of their shells. They will peck the chicks too to teach them to listen to them. Kind of a "hey I'm in charge" peck. If it is more aggressive keep a watch to make sure momma doesn't injure them.

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

That's a good thing. They were helping the chicks hatch. I watched my cockerel do that to his hatch mates in the bator. Freaked me out until I realized that's how they help sometimes. I had six hatch and he helped two out of their shells. They will peck the chicks too to teach them to listen to them. Kind of a "hey I'm in charge" peck. If it is more aggressive keep a watch to make sure momma doesn't injure them.

Oh, thanks so much!! I feel better.

 

[fredvw]

One of my blue Silkies has been setting and the chicks are hatching. Four so far and several more pipped. My broodies do all my hatching. This is my sixth this year, and I have one more who is going to be a foster mother to some boughten chicks. They even hatched out some guinea hen eggs.

I have been hatching chicks for over thirty years and I still enjoy seeing the chicks with the hens. Simple things!

Fred

 

[Chicken Frenzie]

 

[Johnn]

Urghh im getting so sick of Flora first Melow she was fighing with now she went for the orpington!, all the hens were in the pen eating and she went over and started pecking the orpington and her chick so the orp took her chances and started fighting her, then the orp was winning and Flora looked like she was going to give up but the princess layer joined in on Floras side and they were both beating the orp up so dragged them both off her and chased them away, then after that i garded melow and the orp with the chicks so they would get a decent meal!