Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[naturespace]

PIcture updates of my 3 day old chicks. these little ones have no fear!! not sure why as the last batch screamed all day long, these were out and about today and really wandering off and not a care in the world. it was fun seeing mama show them seeds in the soil, and to peck at things. I put food and water out there in case they needed to be fed. they were out side 2 hours today and did wonderful!
Not sure what they are, but out of four breeds this is what they can be... light b rahma, ( 3 rggs that hatched were blue EE  eggs ) 2 I can tell are Rhode island reds, so not sure of the last one... real light yellow, then there is the dark one with the strip down the back. can  any one distinguish what is what ? or are they all EE and rhode island reds?

They are great! The striped or chipmunk coloring can come from several breeds. I have a few that are Welsummer crosses. What kind of roosters do you have? Are they barred?


Oh and the fluffy cheeked one on the top photo, drinking water, is probably an EE. Fluffy cheeks give it way.

 

[Silkie Chicken]

I just got my eggs to put under my broody silkie, she has been setting on fake silkie eggs for like 5 days now she has been setting on 3 fake ones do you think it will still be fine and she will still set on the eggs if i take the fake ones away and put 2 real eggs under her? And will the real eggs still be ok and good to hatch if I get the silkie hen off the nest for like 20 min. everyday for a drink and food. thx DDD




~ Brannon

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Can anybody remind me, approximately how long after hatch will most broodies go back to laying?
I know all hens are different, but I would just like some idea.
Thanks!!!
(PS my hen is a Black Australorp and the chooks are 4 weeks old at the moment)

 

[Johnn]

chicks are 12 weeks now, still haven't left their mother -__-

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

chicks are 12 weeks now, still haven't left their mother -__-

and you're sure she still isn't laying?

 

[naturespace]

a few photos of my chicks they are now 5 days old.

 

[Miss Lydia]

a few photos of my chicks they are now 5 days old.

So cute

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can anybody remind me, approximately how long after hatch will most broodies go back to laying?
I know all hens are different, but I would just like some idea.
Thanks!!!
(PS my hen is a Black Australorp and the chooks are 4 weeks old at the moment)

anywhere from 4-6 weeks depending on the mama and also the rooster who maybe after her.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Can anybody remind me, approximately how long after hatch will most broodies go back to laying?
I know all hens are different, but I would just like some idea.
Thanks!!!
(PS my hen is a Black Australorp and the chooks are 4 weeks old at the moment)

Topsy has resumed laying, she started back at the 6th week. Smokey has still not resumed laying, both Topsy's and Smokey's chicks are 8 weeks old. Both of these broodies started laying around the 5th week last time they had a clutch. So it varies, but usually around a month to month & half.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I just got my eggs to put under my broody silkie, she has been setting on fake silkie eggs for like 5 days now she has been setting on 3 fake ones do you think it will still be fine and she will still set on the eggs if i take the fake ones away and put 2 real eggs under her? And will the real eggs still be ok and good to hatch if I get the silkie hen off the nest for like 20 min. everyday for a drink and food. thx DDD




                                                           ~ Brannon 

She will be happy to sit on them. I usually switch my eggs by taking the momma off the nest to eat and do her business. Then I take the fake eggs and put in the real ones. Making sure she returns to the nest and settles back down.

The first hatch I kept removing the girls, but the second and third I let them regulate their own eating habits. I found I had to clean up poop no matter if I took them off daily or not. Be on the lookout for broody poo, it's NASTY smelling!

Yes the eggs should develop, but you can check them on the 7th day and see if there is anything growing. Use a bright flashlight or candler, if you've never done this do a search on how to properly candle eggs before.

So exciting! Keep us posted!