Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

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?

 

We've had a few visiting cats stop by our backyard. One brave black cat almost made it to the coop. However the older hens and Roos took care of his curiosity. Haven't had him come around again. The mommas usually stick close to the coop for a time and the babies stick close to momma. I wouldn't worry too much about your cat getting close if you have other chickens in there too.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Getting excited, though also prepping myself for disappointment. Hatch day should be tomorrow or Wednesday. This is our first time with a broody hen - a SLW, and I really hope she at least gets a few chicks! I had an issue with her pooping in the nest and though the eggs aren't too dirty they are somewhat dirty, and I hope some chicks still hatch (for her sake as much as ours!) She's got seven eggs. She's been so dedicated. So do I just keep an ear open when I go in to check on her to hear any peeping?? 

Yes. Watch for broken shells and listen for some cheeps. The poop won't matter. I've had them hatch from poop covered eggs.

 

[bobbieschicks]

This is her first time, so I will prepare her new home now and move her tonight...?  My other BO went broody really quickly once (I have 4 hens sharing the nest), but when I took all but 2 dummies she broke and didn't go back.  
Thanks for answering so quickly!  I sure appreciate it!  

Yes move her at night or close to dark. Make sure it's dark. I like to cover their head with a towel too. Then put her on ping pong balls, golf balls, eggs you don't care about,or some other thing that is egg shaped for a bit. She will probably sit on nothing if she's as dedicated to sitting as my broodies have been. But don't try that

 

[gg706]

No action today at all...nothing no peeping or anything. Should I candle the eggs or just leave them alone for several more days before trying to figure out if they are dead eggs?

 

[bobbieschicks]

No action today at all...nothing no peeping or anything.  Should I candle the eggs or just leave them alone for several more days before trying to figure out if they are dead eggs?

Is it cold where you live? If so, leave them alone until day 25. You may not notice anything or hear anything. Then suddenly you will have chicks. I've had some hatches I could hear the chicks peeping and see egg shells strewn about. I've had other hatches where I swore the eggs were not any good,it was day 23 and nothing, then I'd check and find a chick had hatched. So get out your calendar and double check the deadline. Then leave them alone until day 25 has passed. That evening carefully candle them and gently, without opening them, dispose of any that do not show obvious signs of life. By that I mean a chick inside the egg.

 

[bobbieschicks]

And mostly remember the old saying, "a watched pot never boils" which of course isn't entirely true because eventually it will boil, but it just seems to take FOREVER! So stop watching for the chicks and they will be there sooner

 

[Pennoppom]

Okay, SweetPea is in the Maternity Ward. I moved about 12 of the 18-20 eggs she was sitting on because I only have 10 eggs coming and I don't want her to get too ambitious for her first time as a mama. I'll let you know how she does tomorrow and hopefully I'll have fertile eggs under her soon. Thanks again for your help!!

 

[fisherlady]

Okay, SweetPea is in the Maternity Ward. I moved about 12 of the 18-20 eggs she was sitting on because I only have 10 eggs coming and I don't want her to get too ambitious for her first time as a mama. I'll let you know how she does tomorrow and hopefully I'll have fertile eggs under her soon. Thanks again for your help!!

Good luck! Hope to see pics in a few weeks!

 

[gg706]

And mostly remember the old saying, "a watched pot never boils" which of course isn't entirely true because eventually it will boil, but it just seems to take FOREVER! So stop watching for the chicks and they will be there sooner

Is it cold where you live? If so, leave them alone until day 25. You may not notice anything or hear anything. Then suddenly you will have chicks. I've had some hatches I could hear the chicks peeping and see egg shells strewn about. I've had other hatches where I swore the eggs were not any good,it was day 23 and nothing, then I'd check and find a chick had hatched. So get out your calendar and double check the deadline. Then leave them alone until day 25 has passed. That evening carefully candle them and gently, without opening them, dispose of any that do not show obvious signs of life. By that I mean a chick inside the egg.

It is not usually this cold in March here in Georgia. You are right, I am going to try and ignore it. Hopefully she will suprise me with babies one day this week!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh my goodness I do believe winter will not leave, we have 5" of snow on the ground and drifts up to 7-8 and I have 2 mamas sitting on eggs due to hatch next Thurs a week. I had to take the food and water out yesterday the water was frozen, not that they had touched it,

these 2 I am having to physically remove off the nest so they will eat and drink. Snow is still coming down so they are not going to be happy with me today. I do think temps have alot to do with hatches, last summer when chicks were hatching they hatched on day 19, it will be interesting to see when this time. since it's much colder. Hope everyone has a happy hatching day..