Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[vpatt]

Not exactly chicken related, but I cannot think of my chicken chores without thinking of my little Sheltie, Scottie. I sadly lost my devoted little farm companion of 11 years today. He had been a little off for some time, which I had blamed on his hypothroidism, which he was treated for, but had become sick this week and after xray's was diagnosed with late stage lung cancer. My little friend had faithfully followed me through all my chicken chores, loved riding in the truck to the feed store (always got a treat there), and even herded up a chicken or two a few times for me. He will be greatly missed. He is buried in my backyard, under his favorite tree, by the chicken coop. Rest in peace my little friend. Lady of McCamley (and Scottie)

Oh, I'm so sorry. I know how hard that is. I still miss Patrick, my black lab. He was a wonderful companion. I'm sure Scottie had a great life and you have loving memories to comfort you.

 

[KrystalRose]

So sorry about your pup Scotty! Animals have a funny way of making themselves part of the family.

 

[KrystalRose]

I just looked under mom again and saw a 2nd chick out and fluffed up. The first one looks like the cuckoo marans did but a little lighter grey and a little more white on the head, the 2nd chick has a grey body with a mostly white/yellow head, its mama must be a Delaware or buff Orpington. I figured they would all mostly look the same since the barred daddy gene is dominant but it seems I may get a small variety between them after all. YAY!!!!

I pulled yesterdays chick out next to the nest by the water and mom tried to show it how to drink, it watched very carefully but still needs practice. It was cute, almost like it didn't realize there was a world outside of the underbelly of mom, it almost didn't want to go back, then all of a sudden it dove under.

So cute!

 

[bumpercarr]

Not exactly chicken related, but I cannot think of my chicken chores without thinking of my little Sheltie, Scottie.

I sadly lost my devoted little farm companion of 11 years today. He had been a little off for some time, which I had blamed on his hypothroidism, which he was treated for, but had become sick this week and after xray's was diagnosed with late stage lung cancer.

My little friend had faithfully followed me through all my chicken chores, loved riding in the truck to the feed store (always got a treat there), and even herded up a chicken or two a few times for me.

He will be greatly missed. He is buried in my backyard, under his favorite tree, by the chicken coop. Rest in peace my little friend.

Lady of McCamley (and Scottie)

So sorry, he was beautiful....

 

[chicknmania]

Sorry for your loss. Always hard.

 

[ShinShien]

Is all hope already lost? I have a broody bantam, not even a year old, and she's apparently not aware she's supposed to get OFF the nest to poop. BIG, smelly broody poop all over eggs. Are they already contaminated and should be tossed? Thankfully, she hasn't done it again...yet.

 

[bumpercarr]

Is all hope already lost? I have a broody bantam, not even a year old, and she's apparently not aware she's supposed to get OFF the nest to poop. BIG, smelly broody poop all over eggs. Are they already contaminated and should be tossed? Thankfully, she hasn't done it again...yet.

No, all hope is not lost. Next time you get a look at the eggs see if you can gently rub some of the poop off. I wouldn't wash them, but some others may have some experience with cleaning eggs that are under a broody.

 

[vpatt]

Is all hope already lost? I have a broody bantam, not even a year old, and she's apparently not aware she's supposed to get OFF the nest to poop. BIG, smelly broody poop all over eggs. Are they already contaminated and should be tossed? Thankfully, she hasn't done it again...yet.

The first eggs I set under a broody were from a neighbor and they had poop on them that was dried. I was afraid to wash them and they did okay.....but a broody poop is pretty extreme.....I'm waiting to see what others say.

 

[KrystalRose]

I have no experience on this matter, but I have heard that to store eggs in the pantry longer and simulate the film naturally laid, my hubbys friend rubbed a thin coat of mineral oil over the eggs every once in a while, the eggs lasted 9 months this way in a dark cool location (not in the fridge). Not sure if this would work after washing eggs you are trying to hatch, or if you even want to wash them. Just an idea? I think it helps keep the shell from drying out too much. Hopefully someone else has experience with this matter.

My hen wouldn't get off the nest at all for nothing, I had to get her off every other day to poo, maybe this would help your mama? Give her an alternative place to go. The first time she freaked out and got back on the eggs, so I had to completely take her away from the nest for about 5 minutes. After that she willingly would stay off long enough to poo, eat, drink when I would kick her off.

And now.......I have two cute chicks, and 5 eggs to go.

Chick 1



Chick 2


Gotta love moms death stare!

 

[vpatt]

I think Jessica is beginning to distance herself from her chicks. They are 5 weeks old and I noticed them peeping a lot for her today. She did go in the broody nest with them at bedtime. I hope she will teach them to go in the coop before she gives them up completely. Do the mama's usually do that? Olivia hatched her babies in the main coop so this part is new for me.

My little black phoenix was not here at bedtime. I always talk to her on her roost before I shut the others up for the nite.