pamperedamber
Songster
Came home tonight to find 3/17 hatched so far. I was so excited that Dash didn't kill them! This is her first time hatching and she is a pullett so I was nervous from all the gone wrong stories. But she has done good so far.
Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread
- Thread starter michaelinnc84
- Start date
Cograts! Dash is a pretty hen., What kind is she?Came home tonight to find 3/17 hatched so far. I was so excited that Dash didn't kill them! This is her first time hatching and she is a pullett so I was nervous from all the gone wrong stories. But she has done good so far.
If you have more than a week to go, then you can probably move them. (Move the whole nest box at night to the new location.) If the eggs will be hatching in a day or two, it may be best to leave her in place until they hatch. (You don't want to stop so close to the end.) As soon as they're done hatching, it's fine to move the whole family. She will stay with her chicks.
I move mine to a cage inside the coop/run for the 1st few days. That gives them some protection as the rest of the flock gets used to having chicks around.
On nice days, I also put the family inside some type of chicken tractor for grass time. (Helps mama protect chicks.)
When chicks are 5-7days old, mama can walk them back & forth to the safe zones. By about 10 days I just leave the doors open & the little family can free range & return to the safe zones for eating. (If hawks are not too bad.)
sharaw20
In the Brooder
- Sep 17, 2016
- 41
- 1
- 17
This is my first time having a broody hen sit on some eggs. I have my hen sitting on some eggs. I bought a dozen. But after candling I only have what I think are chicks I am left with 3. She is still in the coop with my other hens. Which is fine she doesn't seem to care for the other hens. Or when I go in to check her. I am wondering If I should move her when the chicks are born. I have another set up all ready to do with boxes and shavings. Should I move her when the chicks are born or should I just keep her in the coop with all the hens and one rooster. I can't move her now as the eggs are due to hatch on Monday. And I have read not to move them now. What should I do ? Thank.
pamperedamber
Songster
Thank you she is a Blue Ameraucana.
pamperedamber
Songster
I am worried that with as active as these 3 chicks are Dash won't stay out much longer.
I hope that a few more will hatch before she's had enough of sitting there getting pecked at by the babies.
sharaw20
In the Brooder
- Sep 17, 2016
- 41
- 1
- 17
What do you think might happen if I did leave them in there. Would the other hens get to it. Or do you think she will protect them. Or should I be safe and not sorry and just move them to be safe. And not wait to see what happens.
Should I move them over before they hatch on the Monday so they hatch in the new hut or wait till the hatch ?
Sounds like they could be hatching any day now, so I'd leave them.
If you're worried about other hens, you could put up a screen to block them from the nest box. (scrap of garden fence or chicken coop wire, plastic netting, junk window screen, etc.)
pamperedamber
Songster
Do Broodies eat the egg shells when they hatch? Mine seems to be. Just wondering if it is normal.
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