Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[chickendreams24]

Lol I could be a millionaire. no but could she just being trying to gather enough eggs for a clutch before trying to hatch them? She's been stealing eggs and she does make a broody screech at the other birds. She also flattens out on the nest and if I put an egg in front of her she immediately tucks it under her

 

[nchls school]

OK so she's just thinking about it so how can I encourage her to commit like I said?

Is the hen making the clucking sound; the sound hens use with their chicks so they follow?When a hen is becoming broody you should hear her making this sound. If not, she isn't ready to brood.

 

[fisherlady]

Pick 4-5 'sacrificial' eggs, mark them with a permanent marker the whole way around the center. Place them in a cushy nest in a quiet location of your preference, I prefer to use cat boxes or similar box that can be picked up and moved if needed. Lay a pillowcase or towel over the box to keep it artificially dim but still allow air flow. Show your broody the nest and see if it doesn't entice her to set. Unfortunately about the best we can do is provide enticing nest areas, the rest is totally her game.

The only things you can do to encourage her have already been suggested, provide an appropriate spot and place marked eggs in it.... you can do a 'search this thread' with the words 'commit' or 'encourage' to see if you find other ideas.

OK so she's just thinking about it so how can I encourage her to commit like I said?

 

[PD-Riverman]

Lol I could be a millionaire.

no but could she just being trying to gather enough eggs for a clutch before trying to hatch them? She's been stealing eggs and she does make a broody screech at the other birds. She also flattens out on the nest and if I put an egg in front of her she immediately tucks it under her

Yes you could.


I have had many hens "Playing House"(thats what I call it) and never commit----or Not this time
----Give her some time---she might!!!

 

[chickendreams24]

Okay thanks guess I'll make her a special place tonight and leave some eggs. Ive never had a broody so idk if she's making the "come along" call but she has been more vocal lately and less submissive for the cockerals

 

[nchls school]

Okay thanks guess I'll make her a special place tonight and leave some eggs. Ive never had a broody so idk if she's making the "come along" call but she has been more vocal lately and less submissive for the cockerals

If you wish to hear the "come along" cluck any video with hen, chicks, and sound will provide it. The hen is much more likely to go broody if she is left with her original nest (even if she is being picked on) and then moved if necessary. trying to move her before she is committed to brooding will, most likely, break her of brooding before she even starts.

 

[peepsthebrassy]

When do chicks start moving in the egg ?

Its day 7 right because my chicks started at day 5

Although they we're at a high temperature could that be why?

Will they hatch early?

 

[Violetsfeathers]

My chicks were moving day 5 too, they are too big to see in the egg anymore, they will hatch Friday! I don't think yours will hatch early.

 

[Violetsfeathers]

Today is Thursday and one of the eggs is cheeping!!!! (11:40 pm) I think there will be a chick in the morning

 

[Violetsfeathers]

Morning: there is a pip!