Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

How long after hatching before the fuzzies come out from under momma? I had two pips about 18 hrs ago but I still don't see/here anything... I think will loose my mind I I don't see a fuzzy little face soon.

 

[bobbieschicks]

How long after hatching before the fuzzies come out from under momma? I had two pips about 18 hrs ago but I still don't see/here anything... I think will loose my mind I I don't see a fuzzy little face soon.

Depends on how warm it is where you live. If its really warm they'll dry off soon and start foraging soon after. Usually by 24 hours.

Forgot to add that Smokey used to cluck her babies back under every time I came around.

 

[fshinggrl]

Ok, I just went out to check on the chicks and found this... three hens in the nest box. I had made it so the chicks could not easily get out of the box but that does not prevent the other hens from getting in. That or one of the chicks had a tremenous growth spurt overnight. I had 4 fully dried off chicks yesterday at late afternoon. What are the chances that more eggs will hatch? Today is day 22 I guess.
eta: From left: Columbian Wyandotte, almost all white EE & then the tall one is a Light Brahma.

 

[Johnn]

Ok, I just went out to check on the chicks and found this... three hens in the nest box. I had made it so the chicks could not easily get out of the box but that does not prevent the other hens from getting in. That or one of the chicks had a tremenous growth spurt overnight. I had 4 fully dried off chicks yesterday at late afternoon. What are the chances that more eggs will hatch? Today is day 22 I guess.
eta: From left: Columbian Wyandotte, almost all white EE & then the tall one is a Light Brahma.

are they all wanting to be the mams??

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Depends on how warm it is where you live. If its really warm they'll dry off soon and start foraging soon after. Usually by 24 hours.
Forgot to add that Smokey used to cluck her babies back under every time I came around.

Ok. Trying to be patient. I just wish she would kick out the shells or something. Give me a clue. It's probably about 75 outside right now, and Colorado Springs has no humidity to speak of. They should dry fast.

 

[fshinggrl]

are they all wanting to be the mams??

I guess so!! When it rains it pours. The EE has showed no signs of wanting to lay on eggs before now. I'm just worried that the more moms that are in that small nest box, the more chance that a chick will be squished. I have not seen them this morning, but with temperatures cooler in the morning, it is not surprising. The newcomer is the lowest of the bunch so getting her out would not be too easy.

 

[fshinggrl]

Ok, I encouraged the EE to leave.. she was standing up so ready. I also saw the three chicks (I had found the fourth one dead when I discovered the chicks yesterday) alive and well. Whew! I am glad the hens are taking care of most things. Sometime today I plan on moving one of the momma's (probably the brahma) to a kennel where she can raise the chicks safely.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Could I really have heard peeps while I was checking on the broodies?

It's day 18 for Topsy & Smokey. Smokey keeps clucking quietly - so maybe! Then again it could just be wishful thinking...will Thursday ever get here!

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

I heard chirping on day 17, so defiantly possible. Good luck!

 

[bobbieschicks]

I heard chirping on day 17, so defiantly possible. Good luck!

I'm not sure what plan b will be if there are no chicks or chicks only hatch for one broody.

Topsy has been sitting the longest but she's not showing any signs of chicks. Except that she's covered herself with pine shavings today.