Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

For Miss Lydia

(with apologies for the coughing - I still can't get rid of it. I started coughing after I ran a 10K on 3/17 and it got worse for awhile - but now at least I'm finally on the mend.)

Boss Man Davy (FKA Daisy) showing how to get in the nest box - notice the black splash Silkie in the middle laying her egg I loved his long feathered topknot, but I had to trim it back because he kept getting pecked on and running into things. He has alot more confidence now - and of course now he can see.

 

[JakRat]

Adorable!
She will regulate their temps for them. They will get under her body and she will keep them plenty warm. Mine were outside in those temps and did just fine. When they get cold they push their way into moms feather coat and stay until warm.
Smokey spent the first few weeks on the floor with the babies under her. Then she moved them up to the nest box under her. Last night she had them on the roost under her. They are 5 weeks old.

Whew! Made it through the night, me and them! I did have nightmares though yikes

I will be curious to see what happens with the roost. The mama usually didnt roost because she is the lowest on the totem poll. But at the moment my other girls arent roosting either! They are so weird.

 

[JakRat]

Yep!

She is so soft. This whole experience with her has made her a whole lot calmer around me. I used to never be able to hold her or pet her or even get near her. Now she lets me near her and her babies.

OMG that little frizzle breaks me heart with its goofy feathers

 

[Miss Lydia]

For Miss Lydia

(with apologies for the coughing - I still can't get rid of it. I started coughing after I ran a 10K on 3/17 and it got worse for awhile - but now at least I'm finally on the mend.)

Boss Man Davy (FKA Daisy) showing how to get in the nest box - notice the black splash Silkie in the middle laying her egg I loved his long feathered topknot, but I had to trim it back because he kept getting pecked on and running into things. He has alot more confidence now - and of course now he can see.

Looks like he is doing a fine job, he reminds me of my bantam Roo Peppy, he looks like he is standing on his tippie toes trying to make himself look bigger. Lol your roo is gorgeous.

Hard to believe how much the chicks have grown.

 

[Tripp16]

For Scarlett

Here are the AM & Wellie Rooster #1 onthe far side of the garden fence - they were quick to rush off when I tried to take their pics.


Here is Wellie rooster #2 with momma Smokey

WOW! Hard to believe how big they have gotten!! That little Wellie has some bright yellow legs!!

Smokey is still looking good!

 

[Morganwood]

Getting some neat variations in the black/yellow markings..including an all black head with yellow spot on top...almost the negative image of the first second pic.
Some of my hens are black stars so would these be sex links?

 

[Farmin Momma]

Well so far so good with my lil broodt cochin mix! I caught her off the nest yesterday and atomatticaly thought the worst and was going to take the eggs, but I waited for about 5 min and checked. She was right back on them! ;-) Then today another hen wanted her box and broody hoped out and let the other hen lay her egg while broody wwnt and got some air, then she came back in and sat patiently wairing for the other girl to be done. I was standing watch so I could grab the new egg before broody got back in so I did not have to bother her once she was settled again. I am so excited!

 

[Atomic Ranch]

She probably got confused. It may be best to confine her or she may keep making the same mistake? I know Smokey kept trying to go to the wrong nest area after pooping. I had to redirect her several times. She'd walk around bok bok bok king like she was looking for the eggs.

Lol, funny! I'm hoping it was that. She was back in the right box with the eggs this morning and still sits. I think she may have exited to let the others lay there and it got dark. I'll make a habit of going to check earlier, before it's totally nightfall. Thanks!

 

[Atomic Ranch]

I think all of us have had this happen, the hen will get kicked out so another can lay her egg she comes back and the hen is still there so she gets into another nest then forgets to go
back to her eggs. frustrating at it best. But I know the eggs here still hatched so just keep an eye out for it to happen again you may have to move her to a more out of the way spot.

Silly birds! Hehe! Maybe it's because she moved out of that box a couple of days ago, and took the eggs with her (rolled them over the little divider, I guess!), then decided to move back.... without the eggs. She seems fine today. Interesting that she waits until the hottest part of the day to come out for a stretch, etc.. then returns when the others are done depositing.

I'm going to fence off her area today or tomorrow I think. Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well so far so good with my lil broodt cochin mix! I caught her off the nest yesterday and atomatticaly thought the worst and was going to take the eggs, but I waited for about 5 min and checked. She was right back on them! ;-) Then today another hen wanted her box and broody hoped out and let the other hen lay her egg while broody wwnt and got some air, then she came back in and sat patiently wairing for the other girl to be done. I was standing watch so I could grab the new egg before broody got back in so I did not have to bother her once she was settled again. I am so excited!