Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[BarnGoddess01]

11 days old and my broody Red Sex Link has been suggesting that it's time to get the kids out free-ranging. So I cleared my schedule this afternoon, filled a bucket with shavings just in case a rescue was necessary, prepared treats to lure mama if she gets off track - open all the doors (camera in hand, of course). Ready to watch over the babies and intervene if necessary. Mom changed her mind. Kids weren't allowed to leave the coop afterall.

I've been planning for Friday - when they are 2 weeks old. Clearly, the flock are all TERRIFIED of broody mama. That has been well established in the coop. But I'm worried about predators outside - crows, hawks, cats. And that bantam is so TINY. I've never had a bantam before. At 11 days old, I don't think she's any bigger than the large fowl chicks when they come out of their shells!!! But man, can that kid jump. Most impressive! And what a load of feathers. Probably the frizzle factor contributing to their obviousness. (Is "obviousness" a word???)

 

[Miss Lydia]

Rachel'sFlock :

Ok, Miss Lydia, I will do just that. She is sitting tight, and happier than I have ever seen her.
My plan was to leave her and the eggs in the enclosure until she is ready to introduce the chicks to the rest of the flock, ages from now. That way I didn't have to worry for the babies and the big chooks getting along.
I also imagine, if left free, she will end up right back up there in her favorite nesting box (2 ft off the ground).
Winging it, to be sure, but loving every minute of it.
This is better than wrapping Christmas gifts for my loved ones, and that is just about the best thing there is, for me!

Thanks, again!

Look at this, I don't know if it's been posted since you have been on here. http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html​

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Thanks, MissLydia!
I found this during my research, and it is a wonderful synopsis! I am just about to read it through, again!
Bright Blessings!

 

[michaelinnc84]

My red production is sitting on 4 duck eggs misslydia gave me I hope they hatch!

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

hope so, too michaelinnc!

 

[Jloeffler]

Quote:
Will she mother them too? That would be so cute...pictures after hatch?!

 

[michaelinnc84]

I hope she will mother them. She is doing a really good job sitting. I will post pics for sure and progress will be posted on my blog.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

My broody mama had another go at getting the kids outside this afternoon. She had one follow her but the other two were glued to the coop so we didn't get far. Several of the flock were VERY curious. One of my EE hens actually seemed to try to steal a kid or two. That didn't go well for her. (Same EE hen is ALWAYS sharing nests and stealing eggs. Total broody wanna-be but her hormones must let her down.

Maybe next year.) Broody mama pounded her for her efforts. The kids also latched on to my other Red Sex Link hen at one point. She was mortified!! Quite frantic. I had to intervene in that case. One HUGE young Black Copper Marans roo who has actually never met this particular broody seemed quite fascinated. I didn't trust him but he sure seemed intent on keeping everybody safe. Thankfully, they don't last long outside because it's so chilly here this week. Nobody argues when I hustle them back to the nest.

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Ok, we are a go!

One broody hen, and her 14 eggs:

Camp Broody 2011:

Fingers crossed!!!

 

[slurrywidow]

Why does time move soooo slowly when you have a broody?

I'm on day 6, well okay Mona is doing all the work but still.... Things are going well, I scoop her off the nest once a day for her constitutional and she looks SO much better. Her comb looks better and her eyes are much more alert. So thanks again for all who suggested making her leave the nest once in awhile.

Rachel'sFlock: I'm excited for you! This is my first broody and it's such a fun learning experience. My poor lady is probably wishing I would quit staring at her all the time.

Jloeffler: Thanks for sharing the baby pics. So-amazingly-cute!

BarnGoddess01: Keep sharing those stories please. I'm devouring all the info here (finally finished the whole thread, whew!) and my next worry is that keeping the babies with the rest of the flock will be a problem. Reading your story about Attack Momma made me feel better. Listen to me...my babies...guess I'm counting my chickens before they hatch.

I can't help it.