Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

So bummed - one of Topsy's little 11 week old silky babies is missing.

I didn't count the chickens last night nor did I close up the secure part of the run - I just let the auto coop door close on time since it was raining and cold. It could have been out last night and something got it or this morning. Something obviously took it as it would not have wandered away from it's buddies. Will large black birds take a small silkie? I noticed a couple of large black birds flying around a bit ago.

Meanwhile, Topsy is sitting on the floor in her new nest trying to hatch - nothing! Because I took all the eggs away every time someone laid one there.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So bummed - one of Topsy's little 11 week old silky babies is missing.

I didn't count the chickens last night nor did I close up the secure part of the run - I just let the auto coop door close on time since it was raining and cold. It could have been out last night and something got it or this morning. Something obviously took it as it would not have wandered away from it's buddies. Will large black birds take a small silkie? I noticed a couple of large black birds flying around a bit ago.

Meanwhile, Topsy is sitting on the floor in her new nest trying to hatch - nothing! Because I took all the eggs away every time someone laid one there.

I'm sorry bobbieschicks , I hope it turns up but probably not if you haven't seen so far today.

I'm not sure about Blk birds taking chicks, but i have heard of crows taking chicks and eggs. Many times I have come in and said to my dh so an so if missing I can't find her anywhere, and then there she will be about time to close up for the day, so hoping this is for your lil one.

 

[stonykill]

So bummed - one of Topsy's little 11 week old silky babies is missing.

I didn't count the chickens last night nor did I close up the secure part of the run - I just let the auto coop door close on time since it was raining and cold. It could have been out last night and something got it or this morning. Something obviously took it as it would not have wandered away from it's buddies. Will large black birds take a small silkie? I noticed a couple of large black birds flying around a bit ago.

Meanwhile, Topsy is sitting on the floor in her new nest trying to hatch - nothing! Because I took all the eggs away every time someone laid one there.

crows I'm told will take chicks. I have never had it happen, but I'm told they will. Sorry Bobbies......

 

[Rich386]

Thanks for the info. JUST A FEW MORE QUESTIONS.
I assume the eggs are fertile judging by the antics of my rooster. You can understand that I always look away during these intimate moments. LOL
They all have plenty of food and water but the chicks need some thing smaller than the hens to eat?? So handling after 15 or 16 days does them no harm? When I put them back do I just put them in or do they have to be with the same side up? Would hate to think the poor little guy would spend his last days in the shell standing on his head!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for the info. JUST A FEW MORE QUESTIONS.
I assume the eggs are fertile judging by the antics of my rooster. You can understand that I always look away during these intimate moments. LOL
They all have plenty of food and water but the chicks need some thing smaller than the hens to eat?? So handling after 15 or 16 days does them no harm? When I put them back do I just put them in or do they have to be with the same side up? Would hate to think the poor little guy would spend his last days in the shell standing on his head!!!

You can handle the eggs to candle then just lay them back in the nest the broody will arrange them the way she wants them, I don't think she'll let one of her chicks stand on it head

When i candle the eggs I borrow one at a time that way they don't all cool off at once, when I take the egg back i just lay it in front of her and she rolls it right back under.

 

[Johnn]

So bummed - one of Topsy's little 11 week old silky babies is missing.

I didn't count the chickens last night nor did I close up the secure part of the run - I just let the auto coop door close on time since it was raining and cold. It could have been out last night and something got it or this morning. Something obviously took it as it would not have wandered away from it's buddies. Will large black birds take a small silkie? I noticed a couple of large black birds flying around a bit ago.

Meanwhile, Topsy is sitting on the floor in her new nest trying to hatch - nothing! Because I took all the eggs away every time someone laid one there.

Shes broody again?!!

, who needs a incubator when you have a hen that sits all year round!, sorry about her chick

 

[Pozees]

So bummed - one of Topsy's little 11 week old silky babies is missing.

I didn't count the chickens last night nor did I close up the secure part of the run - I just let the auto coop door close on time since it was raining and cold. It could have been out last night and something got it or this morning. Something obviously took it as it would not have wandered away from it's buddies. Will large black birds take a small silkie? I noticed a couple of large black birds flying around a bit ago.

Meanwhile, Topsy is sitting on the floor in her new nest trying to hatch - nothing! Because I took all the eggs away every time someone laid one there.

So sorry. The only firsthand experience I have with birds taking baby critters is when some local Magpies killed a baby cottontail recently weaned. Well, and my girls discovering and devouring with pride a group of young mice. An 11 week old Silkie is probably still small enough to be taken by a Magpie or larger bird, which would include Crows/Ravens. I wouldn't think it happens often, but who knows? Given that you have seen some larger black birds around, have you done any checking underneath places the youngster may have hidden? Like under steps/porches, etc.?

 

[Chickinn]

Do you all think broody hens know when their eggs are due to hatch? Ours should hatch this weekend and I went to check on her today and she was WAY more irritable than usual and did not want me moving her to check her eggs. Usually she isn't so moody! I'm getting anxious to see some action! Will post pictures as soon as I can!

 

[stonykill]

they know

 

[Johnn]

Do you all think broody hens know when their eggs are due to hatch? Ours should hatch this weekend and I went to check on her today and she was WAY more irritable than usual and did not want me moving her to check her eggs. Usually she isn't so moody! I'm getting anxious to see some action! Will post pictures as soon as I can!

I think so because on day 19-21 my orpington refused to leave her nest but all the days before she always came out for food....