Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[sharol]

So I candled a few days ago, and was meaning to ask a question here, but I had been sick that night with what turned out to be the flu, and I've been sleeping for five days straight. Anyway, I candled, but the I couldn't see anything! It's like the egg was totally solid, I couldn't even see the air sac. These were white eggs that were eight days into incubation. Any ideas??

 

[BoereMeisie]

I have 3 broody hens now... One Rhode Island Red and two silkies... All sitting on Silkie eggs because I ran out of Rhode Island Red eggs after I attempted to incubate them in an incubator (and then she went broody, go figure! Can't they at least warn you beforehand?). So here is the irony... I got the Silkies to incubate the Rhode Island Red eggs, and now all 3 broodies are sitting on Silkie eggs!!!!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

How long do you think a broody will sit on a nest after the first chick hatches? We had one chick pip 48 hours ago and then hatch over 24 hours ago but some of the chicks have barely pipped and will likely be some time coming out yet...

 

[Betty1]

Is my hen broody? she's been on the nest box since this morning, and keeps tucking my fake eggs underneath her. she's only been laying for about a month. She's doing everything I've read that a broody should be doing, but she definitely isn't growling at me! if anything she's making a nicer sound than usual!

 

[Flowerbh]

Is my hen broody? she's been on the nest box since this morning, and keeps tucking my fake eggs underneath her. she's only been laying for about a month. She's doing everything I've read that a broody should be doing, but she definitely isn't growling at me! if anything she's making a nicer sound than usual!

See if she stays in there. Some hens like to play broody, but get up and leave after a day or so..a real broody won't leave that easily.

 

[Johnn]

Does anyone else think my little Light Sussex chick is a bit small for 10 weeks?

 

[chickydee64]

Is my hen broody? she's been on the nest box since this morning, and keeps tucking my fake eggs underneath her. she's only been laying for about a month. She's doing everything I've read that a broody should be doing, but she definitely isn't growling at me! if anything she's making a nicer sound than usual!

Oh Betty.I think you have a broody..................

One of my pullets went broody this year at 7 months of age and did a great job.. Her sound might be she is telling you she is happy.........
One of my hens turns into the biggest lover when brooding. They don't read the book you know........

You will know for sure in a few days ....Good luck

 

[chickydee64]

Hi Johnn,
I love that little bird. She is so pretty.............She looks perfect to me........
Have you named her? I'm still voting for Rosie..............but you know her personality so may
find something better...................
Thanks again for the update on pictures........................

 

[Johnn]

Hi Johnn,
I love that little bird. She is so pretty.............She looks perfect to me........
Have you named her? I'm still voting for Rosie..............but you know her personality so may
find something better...................
Thanks again for the update on pictures........................

I have 2 needing a name and she is one of them. I quite like Rosie, will have a think!

 

[Johnn]

The chicks cousin needs a name too!