Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[AnneInTheBurbs]

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I wasn't able to move my broodys before because my coop was too small, but I would like to try. I'd love some tips too. Although I've heard it helps to move them at night.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I wasn't able to move my broodys before because my coop was too small, but I would like to try. I'd love some tips too. Although I've heard it helps to move them at night.

For sure at night. You let me know before you set the next one and I will tell you how I do it. This is my main hatching pen. There is 4 sections, 1 nesting box hanging on the outside of each section. I also use the bigger dog kennels like some keep their dog inside their home and I also have about 10 7ft diameter round pens---I usually move the hatched broody and chicks too.

 

[skgray]

For sure at night. You let me know before you set the next one and I will tell you how I do it. This is my main hatching pen. There is 4 sections, 1 nesting box hanging on the outside of each section. I also use the bigger dog kennels like some keep their dog inside their home and I also have about 10 7ft diameter round pens---I usually move the hatched broody and chicks too.

Nice pens! Would you happen to have more detailed pictures of your hatching and round pens? Doesn't have to be step by step construction photos (which would be great), but just enough so we can replicate them or make similar pens?

Thanks!

 

[PouleNoire]

I also joined the other broody thread in hopes of gathering some information on broodies in general, I'm hoping that we can maybe have one of our girls, if they go broody, hatch some chicks this coming spring!

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

I also joined the other broody thread in hopes of gathering some information on broodies in general, I'm hoping that we can maybe have one of our girls, if they go broody, hatch some chicks this coming spring!

Having a broody is such an amazing thing! It's so fun to see a chickens instincts kick in and watch her raise them. And different broodys raise them differently also. Best of luck on getting a girl to sit for you!

 

[NysiaAnera]

For sure at night. You let me know before you set the next one and I will tell you how I do it. This is my main hatching pen. There is 4 sections, 1 nesting box hanging on the outside of each section. I also use the bigger dog kennels like some keep their dog inside their home and I also have about 10 7ft diameter round pens---I usually move the hatched broody and chicks too.

Nice setup!

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

@fisherlady

I have eggs in the bator, should hatch in a few days. My one girl has been broody now for only 2 days. When they chicks hatch, would it be silly to try to out them under her? I think it may be too soon.

 

[NysiaAnera]

My experience in moving broody hens was not favorable, so we abandoned that idea and jtst leave broody hens where they are. Moving them itself was fine. We did it at night, and no problem. It was after the chicks hatched that there were major issues. My momma hens did NOT like finding themselves separated from the flock. One went into full panic mode and I was so concerned about her trampling the chicks I gave in and set her free. She was then kicked out by the other hens. She moved into the garden, and all was well, except that the hens would attack her constantly. Since then, we went back to just leaving them in the nest boxes. No one gets beat up and kicked out that way. No need to reintroduce. We just mark the incubating eggs and remove any new eggs every day or two. When it is hatch time, we put up a screen so no chicks can escape, then remove it when all are done hatching, and the mommas do their thing.

 

[PouleNoire]

Having a broody is such an amazing thing! It's so fun to see a chickens instincts kick in and watch her raise them. And different broodys raise them differently also. Best of luck on getting a girl to sit for you!

Thanks!

 

[fisherlady]

@fisherlady

I have eggs in the bator, should hatch in a few days. My one girl has been broody now for only 2 days. When they chicks hatch, would it be silly to try to out them under her? I think it may be too soon.

It is rare for a hen to adopt that early in their setting cycle, but anything is possible. If you are going to try I would plan on spending multiple hours babysitting her to aid in any problems. Slide them under her once they are dry and fluffy. Be prepared for her to be confused and kind of 'run interference' for the chicks as they try to figure things out also. She will likely peck at them as they pop out at first. You can shield them with your hand and make sure they get tucked back under her. After she gets used to their noise and movements she may begin to relax.
I was able to give day old chicks to a hen we took off of the shelf in the coop one night out of the blue and got her to adopt them, but she is a special girl with chicks...and she became their foster mom because the broody hen they were meant for absolutely refused them after being broody for 3 weeks, go figure. So there is the perfect example of how unpredictable hens can be.