Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[stone_family3]

I have my first broody hen she's due on April 15th. Her name is Duchess and she's a Dutch Bantam, her eggs are Dutch Bantam/Cochin Bantam mixed, she's sitting on six of them.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Welcome! What a pretty momma she is - keep us updated on the progress!

I have my first broody hen she's due on April 15th. Her name is Duchess and she's a Dutch Bantam, her eggs are Dutch Bantam/Cochin Bantam mixed, she's sitting on six of them.

 

[countrybuffs]

When my hen is out with her chicks (they are 4 weeks now) she will let one of the other 3 hens be with her and the chicks and never even gives her a look, but if the other 2 come anywhere near her she attacks and pecks their heads! Why? Why does she like one hen and not the other two?

 

[Fuffy]

When my hen is out with her chicks (they are 4 weeks now) she will let one of the other 3 hens be with her and the chicks and never even gives her a look, but if the other 2 come anywhere near her she attacks and pecks their heads! Why? Why does she like one hen and not the other two?

Could it have something to do with the pecking order? Does she normally socialise with that particular hen? She seems to have everyone sorted out, anyway

 

[Fuffy]

So Hermione has decided she quite likes being on her own now, after all.
What a relief!

And the eggs should get here on Wednesday.

They look soooo pretty on ebay!!! Really dark chocolate coloured eggs and blue hens!!!

Can you tell I'm a little eggcited?

And the blue-laying Dorking that I have been wittering on about for the past year?!
Well I have friend who is incubating 6. And all she wants in her life is one healthy cockerel...so all the rest are MINE..all mine

.

She might like a pretty little maran in return...Arrangements will be made.

Also Baby Bonus, my cockerel from my first hatch 2 years ago has been offered a nice home with 30 mixed breed hens. Am sad to give him away, but he is quite abrupt in in attentions and I don't want my babies trampled. And frankly I would rather have hens. He will be fine there and there will be peace in my hen house for a while

 

[stone_family3]

Maybe she didn't like the tone of the other hens. I have one hen (NH) who is sweet and gentle with the babies. My Duchess doesn't scream at her and is very tolerant of her. The others Duchess attacks.

When my hen is out with her chicks (they are 4 weeks now) she will let one of the other 3 hens be with her and the chicks and never even gives her a look, but if the other 2 come anywhere near her she attacks and pecks their heads! Why? Why does she like one hen and not the other two?

 

[QualityPolish]

Hey guys Well I have a little broody Polish now and I've left her a clutch of eggs out there although they are about a week or so old, are they still hatchable?

 

[bobbieschicks]

Smokey lets the two lead pullets Snow White and AC hang out near the babies - but she would attack all of the Lavender Orpingtons and the silkies if they came close. I think it's a rank thing. AC & Snow White were Smokey's "friends" before she went broody. So she's up there at the top of the flock. Maybe that's what you are seeing - the pullets above or near her in rank can hang out - but the others are being warned away.

When my hen is out with her chicks (they are 4 weeks now) she will let one of the other 3 hens be with her and the chicks and never even gives her a look, but if the other 2 come anywhere near her she attacks and pecks their heads! Why? Why does she like one hen and not the other two?

 

[bobbieschicks]

I didn't want to - but I got rid of my two LF roosters and only kept the silkie roo. Things have definitely quieted down around the yard and everyone seems happier somehow. Hope things go well with your new babies!

So Hermione has decided she quite likes being on her own now, after all.
What a relief!

And the eggs should get here on Wednesday.

They look soooo pretty on ebay!!! Really dark chocolate coloured eggs and blue hens!!!

Can you tell I'm a little eggcited?

And the blue-laying Dorking that I have been wittering on about for the past year?!
Well I have friend who is incubating 6. And all she wants in her life is one healthy cockerel...so all the rest are MINE..all mine

.

She might like a pretty little maran in return...Arrangements will be made.

Also Baby Bonus, my cockerel from my first hatch 2 years ago has been offered a nice home with 30 mixed breed hens. Am sad to give him away, but he is quite abrupt in in attentions and I don't want my babies trampled. And frankly I would rather have hens. He will be fine there and there will be peace in my hen house for a while

 

[bobbieschicks]

Maybe - my two nine week olds hatched from eggs that were inside on my kitchen countertop unturned for about a week. There's always a chance as long as they were fertile.

Hey guys Well I have a little broody Polish now and I've left her a clutch of eggs out there although they are about a week or so old, are they still hatchable?