Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

Thanks for this info! Today is day 21 for me also and I heard peeping but nothing hatch.ed yet. it's cold here so I'll try to wait a few more days

That can happen. They will sometimes peep in the shell before hatching. Should be soon

 

[bobbieschicks]

I found a egg outside of the nest box covered in yolk.  Mz. Grey has broke 3 of her eggs.  I am on day 5 and she has 8 left under her.  She is not to dirty, but the eggs have some yolk on them.  I cleaned the box and put xtra bedding in.  Do i need to do anything else? or let it be.

She's probably eliminating the ones that were not viable. Some yolk won't be too bad. I'd leave her and them, but keep a nose on them and pull any stinkers.
My Vanilla Ice came from a yolk covered egg.

 

[gg706]

Please remember that peeking while they are hatching is like opening the bator. The momma is carefully regulating humidity and temps under her body so her chicks will hatch. It is best to leave her alone and catch glimpses of the new chicks as they emerge from under momma.

Of course that's easier said than done

oh...I didnt know that. Thank You for telling me. I will try and keep myself in the house and out of the coop!

 

[6littlechicks]

Lol, that makes two of us

 

[Patsy2757]

Thanks for posting this link! It answered all my questions! Awesome!

 

[tiana29]

I'm a first timer and I finally have a broody. It's my silver laced Brahma. I gave her 9 marked eggs on Saturday morning but she broke one so now she is down to 8. She is very dedicated so far. She is actually very nice to me. She doesn't growl or anything and will let me check on the eggs. I don't have her separated or anything and everyone seems to be leaving her alone.
Here she is...

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm a first timer and I finally have a broody. It's my silver laced Brahma. I gave her 9 marked eggs on Saturday morning but she broke one so now she is down to 8. She is very dedicated so far. She is actually very nice to me. She doesn't growl or anything and will let me check on the eggs. I don't have her separated or anything and everyone seems to be leaving her alone.
Here she is...

she's very pretty. good luck on the hatch

 

[tiana29]

Thank you Miss Lydia. Quick question to the veterans out there. Do I need to worry about my cat attacking the baby chicks? I have an outside cat that loves to hunt birds and I'm a little concerned he may try an attack the chicks when they are out and about with there mom. I let my flock free range during the day when I'm at work. Should I not let them free range when I'm not there when the chicks come?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you Miss Lydia. Quick question to the veterans out there. Do I need to worry about my cat attacking the baby chicks? I have an outside cat that loves to hunt birds and I'm a little concerned he may try an attack the chicks when they are out and about with there mom. I let my flock free range during the day when I'm at work. Should I not let them free range when I'm not there when the chicks come?

I wouldn't take the chance, cats don't know the difference between lil chicks that belong there or wild birds that fly in and out. and mama hen may not be able to protect them. she can be pretty fierce but I woudn't want to take the chance.

 

[Moni]

Hi everyone i have quick question. I have assorted bantams and i like to let them raise their own chicks so i not going to pick up their eggs right away to use for eating. I have 2 japanese hens that are very good about going broody, but my other hens have just started laying. I go out every 2 days and mark all of the new eggs with the date. My question is how long will eggs stay viable for hatching? I'm thinking by marking them i will pick up old eggs so that there are viable eggs in the nests at all times if they decide to go broody. I hope that makes since. The temps here right now are around 50 at night and around 70-75 in the day.