Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[salt and pepper]

I have a question, I have a hen that has never layed an egg before, and now seems to have gone broody? She is sitting on another hen's egg, won't move, and puffs up when I come near her. Is it possible for her to hatch an egg, even if she has never layed one?

 

[luvmychicken]

I have a question, I have a hen that has never layed an egg before, and now seems to have gone broody? She is sitting on another hen's egg, won't move, and puffs up when I come near her. Is it possible for her to hatch an egg, even if she has never layed one?

How long has she been setting.

 

[luvmychicken]

2 more eggs hatched over night. Saw them briefly. One is white witha black strip on its head. The other is pure black. With black legs. Will get pics soon

 

[salt and pepper]

she does it every day for the last week or so, but she never stays on them for the whole day. It's like she can't decide if she wants to be broody? do you think she will when she starts laying?

 

[Johnn]

2 more eggs hatched over night. Saw them briefly. One is white witha black strip on its head. The other is pure black. With black legs. Will get pics soon

How many mre is there to hatch??

 

[delisha]

she does it every day for the last week or so, but she never stays on them for the whole day. It's like she can't decide if she wants to be broody? do you think she will when she starts laying?

She is probably laying or going to lay an egg soon. It is unusual for a pullet to *go broody* and I have never had a POL go broody before laying at least a month. But chickens are unusual creatures and you might be the first I have ever heard of. Please keep us updated..interesting for sure. Puffing up when you approach a nest is not always a sign of broody. I have several who warn anyone who approaches when they are *busy* laying an egg.


Chickens have been laying and setting nests outside of the coop for ages..it is unfortunate our weather is so horrible right now. I would be concerned too. First change you get, I agree with your plans to make some kind of safety area for her, not only from the elements, but predators. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[maggiemo]

Amen, sister!

The chicks should actually be better off than any in a brooder, because they are being hen-raised. They should be able to tolerate ventures into fresh air early and should feather out faster. If you look back through earlier pictures from this winter you will see a number of forum members posting pictures of hens out in the snow with chicks only a few days old. The exposure to fresh air and sunshine is available to hen-raised chicks because they have her there for warmth anytime they are cold, and I personally think it makes for much healthier and hardier pullets and cockerels. Just like dogs that are outdoors for several hours a day have that incredibly robust glow, so do chicks with outdoor access.

I know I already said so, but I am enormously excited for you. Really crossing fingers for a great hatch

New to this thread. I have read hundreds of posts, not all 1600+. Thanks for all the info.
Pozees (anyone?). When you say 'they should be able to tolerate ventures into fresh air early'. What do you think would be too extreem? I have a broody who has been seperated from the flock in a small pen outdoors for two weeks. She is very committed. I have no rooster, no fertile eggs and I am hoping to get some just hatched chicks (from Adam7) this weekend, or Monday. The temp lows are supposed to be in the teens and highs in the 30's the first few days. Should I move my broody somewhere inside before I get the chicks, or figure out how to put a heat lamp in the pen outside?
Thanks.
mo

 

[maggiemo]

Oh, I should add that this is my first broody and first chicks. I know absoultly nothing other than what I have read here.

 

[delisha]

Oh, I should add that this is my first broody and first chicks. I know absoultly nothing other than what I have read here.

Nope...leave them out. I live in Wisconsin and our weather has been below 0 on many occasions. Have you ever stuck your hand under a broody? They are nice and toasty. The chicks will go out and come back under for warmth when they need it. Right now I have chicks that are 12 days old that are zipping around in 10 degree weather. Mom had them out side a few days ago when it was 20 and sunny. They know what they are doing. Mom usually takes them off the nest when they are three days old to eat and drink. If you are giving her live chicks you might want to give them to her early in the morning when she is sleeping and wait for first light to observe.

Just ran out and snapped this for you..it is 12 degrees out.

 

[maggiemo]

Nope...leave them out. I live in Wisconsin and our weather has been below 0 on many occasions. Have you ever stuck your hand under a broody? They are nice and toasty. The chicks will go out and come back under for warmth when they need it. Right now I have chicks that are 12 days old that are zipping around in 10 degree weather. Mom had them out side a few days ago when it was 20 and sunny. They know what they are doing. Mom usually takes them off the nest when they are three days old to eat and drink. If you are giving her live chicks you might want to give them to her early in the morning when she is sleeping and wait for first light to observe.

I love you guys. My heart just sighed reading this. I am so greatful for everyone sharing experience to newbies. I just need to hear it will be ok. I would never try any of this if it weren't for OT's help.
Thanks.
I will either give the chicks to her after dark, or before light. Depends when I get the chicks from Adam.
What do you think is too old to give them chicks to the hen? I ask because if he doesn't get any from his hatch I might get some fromt he feed store. They might be a few days old.