Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

Yeah, I just put a plastic plate under their waterer - they still get shavings in there - but it helps to slow down the shavings from overtaking the water so soon. Sounds weird when they are over there drinking.

The hanging thing is a chick treat called Baby Cake - I get them from Meyer Hatchery - but you might be able to get them at other locations. They help give them something to peck on that isn't each other LOL

Edited - the link didn't work - here's the picture from their website - I can't get the link to work but it's www.meyerhatchery.com and then look under treats.

Whats that you got hanging in there? I love the idea of keeping the water clean with the bowl!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Uh, there's no such thing as too excited when it comes to chicks

Day 8 down!! Now can you tell Im a bit too excited to see if she hatches some babies?

 

[bobbieschicks]

Wow - you have your hands full with broodies! Sounds wonderful What breeds are the broodies? I have LOs and I think they will go broody easily as the one that started laying 3 days ago is already lingering on the nest box and tucking the ping pong balls under herself. LOL!

I brought 2 broodies into the cellar last sunday. they will be in until it warms up. I have 3 broodies outside with eggs due to hatch this week. they will be staying outside. I have another 2 broodies that I gave eggs to today. I am worried about the girls that are close to hatch outside. Hopefully nobody will get seperated from mom and freeze to death. I personally have had bad luck having girls hatch in general population.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

I saw somewhere that if you candle your eggs to early you can kill the chick due to it being so sensitive. Is this true?

Not true - unless you drop them or are too rough with the egg.

Sorry for your loss ....

 

[Miss Lydia]

Jakrat, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss

I pray that the silkie's new eggs will hatch you out some beautiful healthy chicks and that your memories of your favorite girl will give you comfort.

Bobbie

X2...

 

[Miss Lydia]

http://www.wildbirdsuets.com/foragecakes/babycake.htm you can get baby cakes and forage cakes here too..

 

[Tripp16]

Still waiting..... I just realized something! Letting the broodies to the work is SO much easier than an incubator. No humidity worries or anything like that...
So nice..

 

[OldChurchEggery1]

I have a 2 year old Jersey Giant hen who is desperate to go broody. She did this late last summer but ended up breaking the eggs because she's so heavy. Has anyone had luck with a JG going broody and actually hatching the eggs? I'm tempted to let her try using a few eggs from my mixed layer pen as it wouldn't be a huge loss if it doesn't work out. What do you think?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a 2 year old Jersey Giant hen who is desperate to go broody. She did this late last summer but ended up breaking the eggs because she's so heavy. Has anyone had luck with a JG going broody and actually hatching the eggs? I'm tempted to let her try using a few eggs from my mixed layer pen as it wouldn't be a huge loss if it doesn't work out. What do you think?

Of course try her, you'll be so glad you did and she will be so happy to be a mama. but don't forget to post back and let us know how it all goes /w pictures

 

[stonykill]

Sumatra's are not mentioned. Broody VERY frequently. Good mothers and get along with the rest of the flock while brooding.

Note: If you see any misinformation, information needing update or removed, or any other changes to the FAQs please PM me. I will try and keep them updated. Thanks!

FAQs

How old does a hen and rooster need to be to be able to breed?
They need to be between 16 and 18 weeks old.

What are the best broody hens?
Araucana - Frequent Brooder
Australorp - Very Frequent Brooder
Belgian D'Anver - Frequent Brooder
Belgian D'Uccle - Very Frequent Brooder
Brahma - Frequent Brooder
Cochin - Top Notch Brooders
Dominique - Frequent Brooder
Dorking - Very Frequent Brooder
Japanese - Very Frequent Brooder
Java - Frequent Brooder
Marans - Very Frequent Brooder
New Hampshire - Good Brooder
Orpington - Frequent Brooder
Silkie - Top Notch Brooder
Sussex - Good Brooder