Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[chickette]

Quote:
We also give our duck eggs awat to the neighbour

she is a 3 yr old pekin, given to us when we purchased some laying hens.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I like to use duck eggs in baking, my dh won't touch them for eating, but will if I use them to bake with.

 

[mrsmaonaigh]

Looks like I've got my third broody of the year. We are putting eggs under her today. She is a feisty one too. Geez.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well congratulations, mrsmaonaig. keep us updated on her progress!!

 

[annaraven]

So far just the two peeps. But they're so cute!

Hoping for more.

But glad that at least these two hatched. This is Buffy's first time.

So, should I just try to give them food and water in the nest for now? My broody was way too stubborn to move out of "her" nest into a separate pen. I'm going to have to move her after the others hatch so there's room for a feeder and water and they're on the floor. For now, I've got the nest blocked off so the other chickens don't bother them. I was thinking just a small bowl of water for mama and some food they can both eat.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you can get food and water in there that would be fine, she'll bring them off in a couple of days they don't have to eat or drink for 24 hrs. mama can eat chick food too. that is a very sweet picture.. All of my 6 broodies that have hatched in the past month have 2 chicks each, except one and she has 1 chick. Hope you get more

 

[BarefootMom]

Quote:
I like to eat the duck eggs

I think they taste better than regular eggs. But my DH isn't so keen on the idea. lol I swear that boy will eat anything that is 4 legged but haven't got him to try a duck eggs yet!

 

[chickette]

same here.

 

[kingdr85]

When do you usually candle your eggs? (never done it, so I've was wondering what most of you do)

 

[chickette]

Quote:
I candel on day 9-10 for dark or thick shelled eggs. As a first timer on candeling, this is also a good time to clearly see veins and or movement. Lighter eggs are alot more easy to see through, maybe day 6-7.You can always try and take a look.

happy candeling