Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Miss Lydia]

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[Miss Lydia]

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I've never gotten shipped eggs YET, but I have heard good and bad, sounds like yours came wrapped well so your probably have a very good chance. Heres hoping

 

[BarnGoddess01]

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I've had good luck and bad with shipped eggs. Depends on a lot of things including how old the eggs are, how far they travelled, the means (i.e. did they fly), and how they were handled, etc. You can tell pretty early on, however, what is good and what isn't with candling so you can dispose of the ones that didn't make the trip well and just concentrate on the ones that do develop.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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I've had good luck and bad with shipped eggs. Depends on a lot of things including how old the eggs are, how far they travelled, the means (i.e. did they fly), and how they were handled, etc. You can tell pretty early on, however, what is good and what isn't with candling so you can dispose of the ones that didn't make the trip well and just concentrate on the ones that do develop.

Do you mean candling before you put them under the hen or in a week of putting them under the hen? just for future reference

 

[Arielle]

My limited experience with shipped eggs varies. One batch I picked up myself , 1 hour home: 1/11 weeping in just a few days. Two shippments in now, so far so good, all arrived in perfect condition as they were double boxed.

BA is doing a good job. +3 chicks over night = 7 chicks. Hatching is slow, hatching over 3 days so far with half the eggs to go. We are just amazed at the instinct of the hen. NO one showed her how to be a broody . . . helps me show my kids why we need to respect our world . . .

Lost one chick to an invading hen who I'm sure just wanted to deposit her egg. I'm not set up for broodies . . . . unless I have a separate place for the broody I'm not doing this again. Do like the hatch rate though!!

 

[artsyrobin]

well, my broodies are always in the spare bathroom - luckily only have had one at a time- these eggs are from Three Cedars Silkies, and she wraps and boxes them and puts airbags around it- so am hoping for a good hatch!

 

[effie]

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This makes me feel better-I have 3 this morning-two little BO's and a BR BO mix. My concern is I have a place for her and chicks set up as soon as they all hatch but I can'tleave them all in the nest for more than a couple days with her can I?? They will need water and food by tommorrow I would think. She has 11 eggs left and I know they won't all hatch out I am sure. It is supposed to be 60 degrees today-hopefully the rest that are gonna hatch will!!

Some say you can move them and their eggs when they get broody and I think I will try that the next time as then I wouldn't have this worry.

 

[workinnanie]

I have had success moving mama hens (bantys) once they hatch a chick or two.

 

[Miss Lydia]

By day 2 the chicks will need food and water, and if they are not on the floor could get hurt falling out of the nest box, or not be able to get back into the nest if they fall out. Most of my broodys stayed in the coop with the rest of the flock, mama wouldn't let anyone get near her chicks. Hope everyone has great hatches keep us posted, and PIctures we love them..

 

[effie]

It's cold here--in the 30's this morning so I don't think the chicks will go far from warm feathers. My concern is if I move her and the eggs and chicks will she still sit the eggs?