Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[kmollyhughes]

I have a Maran hen that just went broody.  How many eggs can I put underneath her?  I was thinking a dozen is too many.  Does anyone have any experience with numbers.  I live in the central valley of California, so the temps are between 35 at nights to 65 during the day.

I have a black copper Marans sitting on eggs now. I'm in Nevada and or days have been 50-60s, nights in the 30s. Think she's sitting on 10 really comfortably. Have a silkie sitting on 8 so I'm sure your girl could handle a dozen. We are getting into a cold spell here, so didn't want to make them work any harder than necessary. Mine are about a week from hatch day so good luck with yours.

 

[kmollyhughes]

My three broody girls got moved into kennel in shop tonight. Temps are supposed to drop the next few days...day 15-16 today. One black copper Marans, and two silkies. Pulled them from big coops because they are starting to give a couple other girls ideas about sitting. No more broody girls this winter!! Holy moly it's contagious!

 

[Happy Flock]

She'll leave the nest when she feels like she's done. Just leave them alone and mums will take care of it. After they leave the nest, you can probably discard the eggs unless you have a bator or another broody to put them under.

Thanks Bumpercarr. Still 4 babies and mums sitting on eggs. I will see how they go tomorrow.

 

[pmcatnip]

Well, Winnie went broody again today. Of course, wrong time of year to get eggs shipped or to buy chicks......grrrrr.

There are probably plenty of BYC breeders who'd ship eggs this time of year.

 

[Johnn]

My little LS is getting big

 

[itspebbl]

I love the pics of her/him !!!!

 

[Happy Flock]

Beautiful sussex and scenery.

 

[Johnn]

I love the pics of her/him !!!!

If this is to me, then thankyou!

Beautiful sussex and scenery.

Thanks!

 

[itspebbl]

Your welcome!

 

[Happy Flock]

5 newly hatched Orpington chicks from eggs I was donated/bought.
Mums are sharing a playpen inside the house.
The blue Orpington on the left had 2 white chicks (one white chick is not on view), while the buff Orpington had the 3 cuckoo babies.