Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[chickens galore]

hi thanks for your reply i did section coop off and will leave her in for a few more days,shes such a good momma, just couldnt get the chicks in, i may have stepped in to soon the last time i was just so worried she would lose another chick, loving this thread im only on page 302 but hooked DH has threatened to turn off the wifi if i dont get my face out off the computer, keep all the pics coming, love them

 

[Faraday40]

Here's our little Cookie waiting for her eggs to hatch. This is the 1st time we' left a broody in the coop. The mesh prevents the bigger hens from kicking her out. Today is day 19 or 20. I peeked & saw a pip, so i didn't let her walk around today.

 

[poodlechicks]

Love her broody look She's looks very nice! Good luck w/ the hatch and post pics of the little chicks!

 

[Desert Chick3ns]

Hello everyone...I'm in need of some advice. I've have a broody RIR that's been sitting on her eggs for 23 days. I know at this point nothing is going to hatch, so now I'm trying to decide if I should buy and place baby chicks under her or just break her broodiness in the dog crate. I would prefer to go the baby chick option, but I'm having a difficult time finding young chicks. There is a place in town where I can get 4-5 day old chicks today to put under her tonight, or they are getting day old chicks on Friday. I'm sad she sat for so long and is still being so diligent with no reward. What are your opinions?

Thanks for all your expertise! :-D

 

[Faraday40]

Hello everyone...I'm in need of some advice. I've have a broody RIR that's been sitting on her eggs for 23 days. I know at this point nothing is going to hatch, so now I'm trying to decide if I should buy and place baby chicks under her or just break her broodiness in the dog crate. I would prefer to go the baby chick option, but I'm having a difficult time finding young chicks. There is a place in town where I can get 4-5 day old chicks today to put under her tonight, or they are getting day old chicks on Friday. I'm sad she sat for so long and is still being so diligent with no reward. What are your opinions?

Thanks for all your expertise! :-D

I once had chicks hatch on Day 23, so don't toss them w/o candling. From what I've read, the younger chicks should be easier to bond with the hen - if you choose to go that way. Waiting 'til Friday & leaving eggs under her shouldn't be a problem. If she gives up on her own, then you'll know before you buy the chicks.

 

[kilby]

Hello everyone...I'm in need of some advice. I've have a broody RIR that's been sitting on her eggs for 23 days. I know at this point nothing is going to hatch, so now I'm trying to decide if I should buy and place baby chicks under her or just break her broodiness in the dog crate. I would prefer to go the baby chick option, but I'm having a difficult time finding young chicks. There is a place in town where I can get 4-5 day old chicks today to put under her tonight, or they are getting day old chicks on Friday. I'm sad she sat for so long and is still being so diligent with no reward. What are your opinions?

Thanks for all your expertise! :-D

If they were all deposited on the same day I still think with a little too cold or too hot ending with slower development they could be a few days late. If you are guessing the date then you will definitely want to wait. Next time candle them at one week. There are subsequent tests but I have not gotten that far with mine. Cheers
I have one of our own still set up with a neighbours broody hen. Learning something all the time in the chicken world.

 

[sjturner79]

A broody hen can take up to 30 days to hatch eggs. It depends on how much time she spent off the nest eating and drinking and what the temperature has been like

 

[Carolei]

Hello everyone...I'm in need of some advice. I've have a broody RIR that's been sitting on her eggs for 23 days. I know at this point nothing is going to hatch, so now I'm trying to decide if I should buy and place baby chicks under her or just break her broodiness in the dog crate. I would prefer to go the baby chick option, but I'm having a difficult time finding young chicks. There is a place in town where I can get 4-5 day old chicks today to put under her tonight, or they are getting day old chicks on Friday. I'm sad she sat for so long and is still being so diligent with no reward. What are your opinions?

Thanks for all your expertise! :-D

I would wait for the day old chicks on Friday. A 4 or 5 day old chick may not bond with the mama hen. The younger the better when putting chicks under a hen.

 

[sjturner79]

Hello everyone...I'm in need of some advice.  I've have a broody RIR that's been sitting on her eggs for 23 days.  I know at this point nothing is going to hatch, so now I'm trying to decide if I should buy and place baby chicks under her or just break her broodiness in the dog crate.  I would prefer to go the baby chick option, but I'm having a difficult time finding young chicks.  There is a place in town where I can get 4-5 day old chicks today to put under her tonight, or they are getting day old chicks on Friday.  I'm sad she sat for so long and is still being so diligent with no reward.  What are your opinions?

Thanks for all your expertise! :-D

5 days is a bit old to try and bond a broody. You really need them under 3 days

 

[Desert Chick3ns]

Thanks, everyone, for the words of wisdom! I am waiting until Friday to get the young chicks. :>