Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[vpatt]

My broody is on day 16 today!!!! Cant wait till they hatch!!!

Good luck!!

 

[ChickyChickens]

Thanks, that's a great idea!
Hope all goes well! Keep us updated!

Yeah...I will...but the darn electricity goes off the whole time...

 

[bumpercarr]

Thank you to all who have replied! Momma hen is in my bathroom on her eggs where there is only one nest, so no more confusion. I candled tonight and many look like the good viable photos from the link! One was a yoker, so I threw that one out and one looked like this..

Blood ring?

Also, should you always see movement when candling? Or will they sometimes remain still?

I will be sure to keep everyone updated, thanks again

Looks like a blood ring to me. Sometimes I see movement, sometimes I don't.

 

[CandylandRanch]

Looks like a blood ring to me.  Sometimes I see movement, sometimes I don't. 

So most likely being a blood ring, I need to get it out of the nest before it explodes, correct ? I'm so afraid of that happening. I smelled them all and non smelled putrid or rotten to me...

 

[bumpercarr]

So most likely being a blood ring, I need to get it out of the nest before it explodes, correct ? I'm so afraid of that happening. I smelled them all and non smelled putrid or rotten to me...

I wouldn't probably worry about it. I usually leave a couple of eggs that I'm not 100% sure about in the nest. They will explode if they have excessive heat....not likely this time of year. But, you can take it out if you want. LOL, I know, not much of an answer is it?

 

[A6chickenhome]

That looks like a blood ring to me. You will most likely smell it before it explodes. I would check it in a couple of days and if nothing changes chuck it. Who wants the added stress of worrying about an egg exploding, right Good pic, thanks for posting it.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

If you can easily tell by size or color then marking them isn't a big deal.... although when you candle you should somehow mark or number any you have a question about so it can easily be identified for a recheck later.  Glad nest confusion doesn't seem like a problem... it will help things go smoother.

Good news! Two eggs were laid on the opposite side of the coop today, so she is holding her ground.

Is the waiting always this bad? Or is it just because it's my first time? I'm ashamed to say I'm more excited about my broody on the eggs than Christmas!

 

[bumpercarr]

Good news! Two eggs were laid on the opposite side of the coop today, so she is holding her ground.

Is the waiting always this bad? Or is it just because it's my first time? I'm ashamed to say I'm more excited about my broody on the eggs than Christmas!

It is always this bad. Not because it is your first time. Me too, don't have a broody at the moment but every time I do I am so excited that nothing can beat it!

 

[rebrascora]

Yes, just as exciting for me too. The only benefit of subsequent clutches is that you worry a bit less, especially when you have seen your broody do such a brilliant job of hatching and rearing her first brood. I was so neurotic with that first one, I look back now and feel guilty about the interference my poor Tasha had to put up with and the hatching part is definitely the lesser worry. Once they hatch and start running around there are so many more dangers and things to go wrong..... It's absolutely amazing how broody hens manage them, even with our meddling.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

It is always this bad.  Not because it is your first time.  Me too, don't have a broody at the moment but every time I do I am so excited that nothing can beat it!

That's good to know. It's so nice to talk to everyone here. Only chicken lovers understand! I went to TSC to get some scratch last night andisaw other people purchasing chicken feed. I wanted to walk right up to them and ask them what they had!

Yes, just as exciting for me too. The only benefit of subsequent clutches is that you worry a bit less, especially when you have seen your broody do such a brilliant job of hatching and rearing her first brood. I was so neurotic with that first one, I look back now and feel guilty about the interference my poor Tasha had to put up with and the hatching part is definitely the lesser worry. Once they hatch and start running around there are so many more dangers and things to go wrong..... It's absolutely amazing how broody hens manage them, even with our meddling.

I bet you are a bit more relaxed after the first time. I am truthfully just trying to let her be, but I think I will candle halfway through, just for fun.