Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Faraday40]

1st Mama and Baby photo

She poked her head out to say Merry Christmas! So for sure there is 1 baby

You got a cute fluffy Christmas present!!
BTW- It took me a long time to play spot the chickie. I guess I was never very good about finding WALDO either.

Congrats & Merry Christmas!

 

[Faraday40]

Merry Christmas
from our flock to yours.

 

[tjo804]

Merry Christmas
from our flock to yours.

I love this Photo
Your lady is Beautiful

Thank you all for your help! Like I said I expected her to walk away long before there were Chicks.
This is what I did for her tonite. It it ok or should I move the Block? I didnt want the water to spill and get the nest wet.


But for what ever reason she is not ready to leave She was very hungry and I did hear her talkin to the babies but they didn't come out.

There is other food and a 1 gal chick waterer in there with her as well.

Thank you for your assistance!

 

[fisherlady]

I love this Photo
Your lady is Beautiful

Thank you all for your help! Like I said I expected her to walk away long before there were Chicks.
This is what I did for her tonite. It it ok or should I move the Block? I didnt want the water to spill and get the nest wet.


But for what ever reason she is not ready to leave She was very hungry and I did hear her talkin to the babies but they didn't come out.

There is other food and a 1 gal chick waterer in there with her as well.

Thank you for your assistance!

The block is good, but I would add some stones or marbles to the water dish to prevent wobbly chicks from falling in face first and drowning. They can drink between the marbles but they would keep the chick elevated if it falls into the dish.

 

[tjo804]

 

[tjo804]

and then there were 3

It is kinda cool seeing them one at a time

But I have mixed emotions too

I am wondering how long I should wait for her to get up

if I should add some heat to the run area (chicks cant get in there but it would radiate into the coop part its been in the 60's here but the garage is a bit cooler I wonder if I just added a little heat if she would get up for a bit?





I also am wondering how long to wait to clean the nest (new straw and leaves) or should I leave that alone?

I have learned so much from all of you

 

[nchls school]

Your hen will know when it is time to leave the nest. Many a chick has been lost due to interference. Be patient. Happy Holidays.

 

[tjo804]

Ok will do
Thank you again for answering my questions

 

[fisherlady]

and then there were 3 It is kinda cool seeing them one at a time But I have mixed emotions too I am wondering how long I should wait for her to get up if I should add some heat to the run area (chicks cant get in there but it would radiate into the coop part its been in the 60's here but the garage is a bit cooler I wonder if I just added a little heat if she would get up for a bit? I also am wondering how long to wait to clean the nest (new straw and leaves) or should I leave that alone? I have learned so much from all of you

If your set up is protected from harsh weather and is not drafty I would not add any heat except as needed to prevent water source from freezing. Our hens hatch year round and are fine at keeping chicks warm. Just make sure she has a well padded nest to settle into. I don't clean a broody's nest except to remove any soiled hay if she poos in the nest or to remove broken eggs shells. Generally all you need to do to 'clean' it is to remove the soiled area and replace with a small handful of fresh hay. As said, broody will decide when to officially bring them out, we place food and water nearby and within sight for more adventurous chicks to find on their own. Don't be surprised if the broody abandons her original nest after bringing them out, many of ours do set up a new nest, I can only figure it is a left over instinct from before humans were around and a soiled nest could attract predators??

 

[tjo804]

That makes sense
thank you