Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
They have been getting out of their shells for eons, just try to relax and breathe. before you know it you'll see lil fuzzy butts running around. Mama will take care of everything!

It's hard waiting, though. I feel like a kid again, and that's enjoyable. AND we have a PIP now!

 

[K9ThorsMom]

OMG OMG OMG!!! I hadn't posted before, as this was my first time with trying to hatch eggs using a broody (I'm actually new to chickens- just got my first ones this past April)...So, long story short- my Silkie/Polish mix, Beaker, is approx 8 months old, and was laying but decided to go broody and sit on everyone's infertile eggs...I would take them daily, and she was NOT happy...I decided to order some off here, and won an auction for 6 olive egger eggs, and 2 BCM eggs...the nice lady in TX gave me an extra BCM egg, and also threw in a EE/NN egg (I am NOT fond of NN, but put the egg under her just to see what would happen...)....Well, yesterday was Day 21, and nothing happened...So today, all morning, I'm back and forth to the nextbox...I THINK at one point I hear faint peeping, but am not sure...just went back out to check, and moved Beaker off the nest (she was NOT happy, but since she's a silkie, she doesn't put up a fight...LOVE HER!!!)...well, as I'm trying to candle the eggs (no clue what i'm looking at, but I'm looking for movement at the least)...well, I pick up the EE/NN egg, and the darn thing started peeping at me right about the time I noticed the little guy inside has started to break the shell and work his way out!!! OMG OMG OMG I'm excited!!! Even though this is the ONE darn EGG that I didn't care if it hatched or not, I'm kinda changing my mind, and can't wait to see the little guy! I will post pics of whatever hatches!!! Cross your fingers that whatever ones are alive hatch out without any problems!!!

 

[CheekyMare]

Good luck!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
That is so exciting, looking forward to hearing and seeing pics.

 

[Johnn]

hope all goes well for you!

 

[ilovemydog]

Alright been looking at this thread for a while..and i have had a broody sitting on eggs now for 9 days and she is a black australorp on 8 eggs. Well my question is, i am definitly moving her tonight to the broody pen..this is my first broody.. When do i do it? and do i get the eggs first then the broody? PLEASE EXPLAIN STEP BY STEP IF POSSIBLE.


thanks everyone!

 

[Fuffy]

Quote:
OK:
1. Get the nursery ready with nestbox and nesting material all in place
2. Wait for it to be dark
3. Put some 'falsies' ( even golf balls will do) In the nursery nest
4. Pick up Mamma and put her on the 'falsies'
5. Get the real eggs and VERY gently put them under mamma with the falsies. DO NOT shake, rattle, rock or roll them!!!!
6. Leave mamma, eggies and falsies alone until morning
7. Remove falsies when mamma is out doing her daily constitutional
8. Enjoy the adventure

 

[Fuffy]

Quote:
That is so exciting, looking forward to hearing and seeing pics.

Me 2

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
That is so exciting, looking forward to hearing and seeing pics.

Me 2

Fuffy didn't you say Hermonie was sitting on eggs again?

 

[Fuffy]

Oh NO!!!

Hermione is sitting on a whole load of nothing!!!!

Not doing any more til next year.

Bless her! I love when she is broody...I can pick her up and have good cuddle, which is not something I normally do.
Am always amazed at how soft she is