Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Miss Lydia]

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[stonykill]

"Mama" has her hatch the end of next week. She is on 13 eggs, all candled growing. Well this afternoon I go to check on her, and a Black Broody (new broody....this one makes 12 .....and I only have 10 adult Sumatra hens) is on her nest. I make a new nest with shavings and golfballs. I glove up...thick leather gloves, and move the black Sumatra to the new nest. She settles right in. Then I pick up "mama" and move her back to her spot. All seemed to go well. AND, neither one tried to peck me! If I weren't gloved, I know they would have! Crazy broody's! I love em!
So if the new Black Sumatra broody (well obviously a repeat....) sticks with it, she will get a few eggs. I am contemplating giving her a few of "mama's" eggs. Then she won't have to sit for more than 7 days in that HOT tin shed. Thoughts????? I know chickens can't count, and don't have calenders and watches, so I'm pretty sure she would be fine with it.

 

[shella]

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Nah - they look like tribbles.

the first time i saw a silkie i thought it was a photoshop joke. I could not believe it was real,
and yes they do look like tribbles

 

[the1honeycomb]

My Bantum CAdbury, with her 2 gorgeous large Cochin and RIR babies

 

[Tiss]

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They are sooo sweet!

 

[Chiko]

I love that hen with her babies!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

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yes they are very sweet, congratulations on the hatch, mama seems very pleased.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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I had to go an visit your BYC page, I really enjoyed it, loved the birds and all the information about you and what you like.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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Sounds like a good plan stony, and I'm sure she will appreciate not having to sit for so long in the heat too.

 

[stonykill]

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Sounds like a good plan stony, and I'm sure she will appreciate not having to sit for so long in the heat too.

I thought you might agree.
When I went out at 8 to lock up Mama in the shed, The Black Broody was practically sitting on Mama's head, and not in the nest I made her. It was dark in the shed, so I grabbed my gloves, and moved her again to the nest. Closed the door quickly. So it was pitch black in there. Hopefully that will be enough to keep her on her own nest. I did however put her on 3 of "Lil Blues" eggs. So if she sits, it is for 21 days now.....

Unless "Lil Blue" gets her brood on quick like. Then I'll swap around eggs again. I'm like that....