Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Johnn]

Im not sure if i want a incubator anymore, but im scared incase i don't then i regret it :/

I just don't like the idea of the chicks sitting up tweeting at night if they want something, and if they think of me as there mother, when i sell them i don't want them to miss me!, i really don't know if i want one anymore...

 

[Stacykins]

I wish I had a picture to share, but there is a new chapter in the two broodies I have sharing chicks. They have already snuggled in for the night. But the larger hen (not much larger, not like an orp versus a bantam) was fluffed up and sitting on top of the smaller hen. The smaller hen had most of the chicks under her. No worries about crushed chicks, they were all fine and dandy when I gently lifted up the hens.

 

[yo burrill]

Funny Stacykins!!!! She is bound and determined to Mother someone!!!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Famerboy-they didn't get that bond formed so if you keep trying to put it back it might get dangerous for the chick...those small pecks will get worse. I was lucky that my broody was bonded and wanted her chick back...they are spending the night now...if she hadn't I would have taken one of the smallest chicks to keep him company, someone to be a friend. The really need that...but, once the get to about two weeks they aren't so dependent and can adjust....at four weeks they don't care if your around or not. Sometimes I just stuff the little chick inside my jacket when I have something to do and don't want to listen to the loud chirps. Unfortunately they only stay wrapped up and quiet at night. I'd much rather have the broody do the work and constant attention they crave...they really want that touch.

 

[hokankai]

Just thought I'd update. Aside from the one that quit early on in incubation and the chick that was killed, Rosie successfully hatched her chicks. I think she killed the one because she had two chicks that were already 3 days old, and the one she killed was the first out of the second batch to hatch so maybe she thought it was an intruder. But as the rest hatched she got over it and I haven't seen any chick pecking since this morning. The last one just hatched 15 minutes ago

I got some GREAT photos of the babies today and will post them all tomorrow once I can get pics of the last one.

Now it's all on her to be a successful mama. Fingers crossed!

 

[Chicken Tamer]

8 days left

 

[chooniecat]

Would like to try to hatch some Barred Rock from my BR hens(have BR roo) and they won't be able to start lay for at least 2 weeks(to clean out hens system of any other Roo viability) SO if they start lay appx. 8-26-12 and it takes 3 wks. til hatch(hate math) that would be middle/end of sept. and I felt it would be OK to try for a few hatches early in fall. Its central Ohio and even if weather gets cool can put brooder lamp in broody pen if it gets cold(for hatched chix with their ma). Does that sound acceptable?(He's turned into a good roo)SO SORRY-just read my own post and realized(and I admit-hate math) that they would have to lay eggs for few days until they could start incubation so OBVIOUSLY that would put hatch probably end of Oct.-TOO late for chix?

 

[bobbieschicks]

Would like to try to hatch some Barred Rock from my BR hens(have BR roo) and they won't be able to start lay for at least 2 weeks(to clean out hens system of any other Roo viability) SO if they start lay appx. 8-26-12 and it takes 3 wks. til hatch(hate math) that would be middle/end of sept. and I felt it would be OK to try for a few hatches early in fall. Its central Ohio and even if weather gets cool can put brooder lamp in broody pen if it gets cold(for hatched chix with their ma). Does that sound acceptable?(He's turned into a good roo)SO SORRY-just read my own post and realized(and I admit-hate math) that they would have to lay eggs for few days until they could start incubation so OBVIOUSLY that would put hatch probably end of Oct.-TOO late for chix?

Stony could answer this question I think he's had winter hatches?

My girls started this year going broody with Smokey starting earliest in late winter. Daytime temps were upper 30s, night time was 20s and occasionally upper teens. I have an unheated coop and did not use a heat lamp. Smokey hatched 3 out of 8 shipped eggs on the floor in pine shavings. That's a good ratio for shipped eggs.

I'd say if they want to go broody I wouldn't discourage. Just be sure that she can over them fully.

 

[Johnn]

Well kind of good news, i posted a pic of my Orpington and her chicks on a facebook page (just for people to look) and the woman who i baught the mother orpington off messaged me and said that she would like one of the cockerel chicks of either breed to go in a breeding pen with hens of the same breed. The reason i said "kind of good news" is because iv'e only ever once swapped a hen wiht my friend but i get to see her and i have never ever given away soemthing i will most likleys not see again. Im scared incase the chicks dosen't want to leave me and gets picked on by the other hens he goes to live with.... am i over worrying?!, if he stayed with me he has his brother and dad as compatition for the hens...

 

[yo burrill]

Yes you are overly worried. He is a chicken not a person. If you are going to hatch eggs you are going to have to get used to getting rid of the extra Roo's. As much as we would like to we cant keep them all cause they will fight. He will be happy when he gets older to have his own group of girls.