Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[KendyF]

My first broody hatch a couple of weeks ago, started and ended on day 24. There are some other amazing stories around.

 

[chicknshrimp]

Most first timers miscount the days. The day you put them under her is day 0, not day 1. Make sure you counted correctly and then check the eggs on day 23 or 24. Sometimes they can be delayed if the weather isn't cooperative.

Ok Ill be patient, thanks!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Ok Ill be patient, thanks!

Or you can be nosey like me and check her, but if your humidity and temps aren't ideal just leave her a couple more days. My broodies eggs looked like duds, no action on day 21. And then on day 22 she quietly hatched 3 chicks. They were very quiet too.

Hope you get a bunch of new chicks shortly!

 

[ochochicas]

Update on my broody - She is doing a great job taking care of the eggs. I took her out this morning and her crop is still fluid filled and fairly full. I could not smell anything coming from her. I put her in the stall with the food. She ate and drank water and then had some crumbles before returning back to the nest. Maybe her crop is just slow to empty? She isn't acting sick and actually seems a bit more active than she did a couple of days ago.

She is eating a variety of things depending on what I pick up at the store. Usually: peas, beans, corn, carrots, bread, watermelon, hard boiled eggs, spaghetti squash, layer pellets or flock starter (they have both free choice) and fresh water of course. Her comb is looking a bit chalky and pink, but its not getting worse. I'll keep an eye on her.

 

[ochochicas]

I forgot to add that they don't get any vinegar and they refuse to eat yogurt. I've tried and ended up throwing it all out before the ants got to it.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Update on my broody - She is doing  a great job taking care of the eggs.  I took her out this morning and her crop is still fluid filled and fairly full.  I could not smell anything coming from her.  I put her in the stall with the food.  She ate and drank water and then had some crumbles before returning back to the nest.  Maybe her crop is just slow to empty?  She isn't acting sick and actually seems a bit more active than she did a couple of days ago.

She is eating a variety of things depending on what I pick up at the store.  Usually:  peas, beans, corn, carrots, bread, watermelon, hard boiled eggs, spaghetti squash, layer pellets or flock starter (they have both free choice) and fresh water of course.  Her comb is looking a bit chalky and pink, but its not getting worse.  I'll keep an eye on her.  

Sounds like she's doing fine. Her comb will shrivel and pale until she returns to laying. That's normal.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I spoke too soon on the silky chick stealing. She must have tried a move a little bit ago. There was a ruckus. Silky rushed from the coop and momma RIR was all pissy. Then RIR lunged for silky when she returned to the nestbox. Boy! Chicken drama!

 

[Johnn]

Update on my broody - She is doing a great job taking care of the eggs. I took her out this morning and her crop is still fluid filled and fairly full. I could not smell anything coming from her. I put her in the stall with the food. She ate and drank water and then had some crumbles before returning back to the nest. Maybe her crop is just slow to empty? She isn't acting sick and actually seems a bit more active than she did a couple of days ago.

She is eating a variety of things depending on what I pick up at the store. Usually: peas, beans, corn, carrots, bread, watermelon, hard boiled eggs, spaghetti squash, layer pellets or flock starter (they have both free choice) and fresh water of course. Her comb is looking a bit chalky and pink, but its not getting worse. I'll keep an eye on her.

Mixed corn is good to keep the crop busy. It takes a while to break down and also keeps broody poops more held together. Scrambled egg goes through the crop pretty quickly so is a good option. She's probably just got a slow crop. I wouldn't worry unless her breath starts to smell and you notice her go down hill.

 

[Johnn]

I spoke too soon on the silky chick stealing. She must have tried a move a little bit ago. There was a ruckus. Silky rushed from the coop and momma RIR was all pissy. Then RIR lunged for silky when she returned to the nestbox. Boy! Chicken drama!

Can't wait to see your silkie with her shipped chicks. Sounds like she will be a great mother!

 

[chicknshrimp]

My broody Peachy hopped off the nest for a second and this is what we found

. The eggs were all set together and are on hour 16 of day 22 (and its been warm out - mid 80s and above). I would love for those other four to hatch but so far they look totally intact, they were alive at day 14 though. So far mom is doing a great job and the chickys look good

When we looked at mom and babies we saw the little critters below all around and in her nest box. We have never had pests before and these look like mites I guess? Our main coop and rest of the flock looks good, Im going to deep clean everything and switch out Peachys next box tomorrow. Do you guys think that gives the rest of the eggs plenty of time to hatch? I don't want to mess up any little ones still in the eggs.

Also what type of nest boxes do you guys use for the little ones with mom? The one we have is a standard size box but the little guys are too small to get out, I was thinking of replacing it with a plastic dog crate when I clean it all out so they can walk out easier, thoughts? I would have done it when I set her but she was attached to this one.

If they are mites should I treat her and the chickys like I normally would? I use food grade DE in the main coop. I would hate for the little guys to be harmed by the mites!

Thanks!