Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[hereorthere]

This happens almost every day with my broody. When my broody Homicidal Mama gets up to stretch another hen hopes in to lay for the cause. She comes back and her box is occupied she settles down in a different box. The one leaves the box but HM does not move. I candled them tonight and they are developing nicely. She is on day 10.

Also the eggs in my incubator started out under a young broody and she abandoned the clutch after a few days and they were left unattended over night in temps in the mid 40's and they have started to hatch today.

I would guess your eggs are fine.

I hope so too. Keeping finger and toes crossed.

 

[Johnn]

Thank you both!

 

[Johnn]

Loves it's Mams!

 

[sssharon]

John. That is just the cutest thing ever! What cute pictures.

 

[poodlechicks]

if your rooster is friendly look at animal rescue groups in your area. They might be able to take your rooster.

Have u tried selling your roo on Craigslist?

Thanks for the tips. I'd like him to have a flock and a happy life. Roosters are penned individually at the rescue here. But I never thought of posting on Craigslist. I'll try that.
He was attacking some people on my family, but now he is actually very nice.

 

[Johnn]

John. That is just the cutest thing ever! What cute pictures.

Thank you

 

[sktlmt]

I have a clutch of eggs that are actively hatching. From what I can see so far the eggs all came from my 6 month old pullets. Which could be part bantam. My question is how much do full size day old chicks weigh? and how much do bantams weigh? I weighed 4 of mine and they weigh between 27 and 30 grams. Their little heads are smaller then a marble.
Just trying to get an idea if they are closer to full size or bantams.
Thanks

 

[chickchoon1]

4 do broody hatches finally in outside pen. Mama BO was still insisting on trying to set her 5 remaining non-viable eggs so we discarded them and she finally got kids into the great outdoors. Am beyond curious on their possible breeds as 1 of the 3 has dark legs and dark beak and all black fuzz. Eggs came to me from another farm and didn't look at every hen but the black kid, I am almost 100% sure, came from the smallish white egg. Other 2 chicks are yellow and one has beautiful golden fuzz mixed with the yellow. Have no way to post pics so am on my own! All I truely care about is that they make every effort to be pullets, LOL! Had 3 chix I got couple years ago and thought they were all girls from my past experience of trying to sex when appx 6 wks old and these guys showed NO evidence of being male until they hit 20 weeks. Turns out 1 was female 2 were male and it came on quick(the male feathers/attitude).

 

[Wishapup]

4 do broody hatches finally in outside pen. Mama BO was still insisting on trying to set her 5 remaining non-viable eggs so we discarded them and she finally got kids into the great outdoors. Am beyond curious on their possible breeds as 1 of the 3 has dark legs and dark beak and all black fuzz. Eggs came to me from another farm and didn't look at every hen but the black kid, I am almost 100% sure, came from the smallish white egg. Other 2 chicks are yellow and one has beautiful golden fuzz mixed with the yellow. Have no way to post pics so am on my own! All I truely care about is that they make every effort to be pullets, LOL! Had 3 chix I got couple years ago and thought they were all girls from my past experience of trying to sex when appx 6 wks old and these guys showed NO evidence of being male until they hit 20 weeks. Turns out 1 was female 2 were male and it came on quick(the male feathers/attitude).

Your black chick may be a Silkie! (or Silkie mix if they were mix eggs)

 

[Faraday40]

The chicks will be 5 weeks tomorrow & I confirmed that the mama hen is laying. How strange! I hope she teaches the chicks how to roost before leaving them. I already have 1 BIG hen that sleeps in the nestbox, I certainly don't want another 7 doing it!

Kim