Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[stone_family3]

I was just wondering the same thing, I did yard work and added a whole bunch of clippings and weeds into the run. My broody spent about 45 minutes enjoying a good meal. I just kept checking on her and she eventually got back up in the bucket.

Oh yes, it has been no cooler then 80 degrees here.

 

[Miss Lydia]

My Marans hen is hatching this morning. I can't wait. Nothing like watching a mommy hen taking care of her babies.

Congrats don't forget the pics..

 

[Miss Lydia]

Here's my proud mama (her name is Maxine) with her chicks. They are in the chicken tractor in the shade for now until I can get the brooder ready. That way my other ladies can lay their eggs like they want to, and she is being left alone. Our dog is dutifully sitting next to the tractor, protecting them.



The black and white chicken in the background is Maxine's "hatch mate" Cricket, my Polish Crest. I got cricket and two other polish, but the other two died, so I got Maxine and two other chicks to raise with her when Cricket was a week old. They are very bonded to one another, and Cricket is dying that she can't get in that tractor. lol She is pacing back and forth in front of it. When Maxine was broody and sitting on the eggs, Cricket would go sit in the coop with her. It was to the point where I thought maybe she was broody also, but she wasn't. She just wanted to be with her buddy.

Your mama hen is beautiful what breed?

 

[This_chicks_place]

Well Miss Patience, it paid off in the long run didn't it. precious..

It sure did! She is a great Mama, nobody has even tried to pick on a chick. The little ones squirt all over the coop and run and nobody pays any mind to them. Although our rooster has taken to pecking on mom. He just walks up to her and pecks, sometimes pulling out a feather but no blood so far. Is this normal? She was his favorite until she went broody. Has anyone else ever had this issue?

 

[kara_leigh]

Your mama hen is beautiful what breed?

Thanks! She is an Ameraucana/Cochin cross. She has feathered feet.

Here are a couple more pics

 

[CALI CHICK]

They should be fine, and Congrats to you both. let us know how everything is this morning!!!

Buffy is doing great with the two she hatched as well as the foster chick. All 3 were running around and eating, but especially the Welsummer (since it's older by a couple days).

Buffy must be a natural Momma because the Welsummer pullet was pecking and grabbing her wattles and Buffy just looked up but didn't peck the baby at all. Then the Welsummer hops on Buffy's back and preens itself and Buffy doesn't seem to mind that either. They are so fun to watch.

Buffy is still sitting on the other 3 eggs, but I'm just going to leave her for a couple more days.

 

[This_chicks_place]

Thanks! She is an Ameraucana/Cochin cross. She has feathered feet.

Here are a couple more pics

How sweet!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks! She is an Ameraucana/Cochin cross. She has feathered feet.

Here are a couple more pics

Alot of folks want nothing but pure breeds but this goes to show that mixes are beautiful. and make great mamas too.

 

[Miss Lydia]

It sure did! She is a great Mama, nobody has even tried to pick on a chick. The little ones squirt all over the coop and run and nobody pays any mind to them. Although our rooster has taken to pecking on mom. He just walks up to her and pecks, sometimes pulling out a feather but no blood so far. Is this normal? She was his favorite until she went broody. Has anyone else ever had this issue?

. Sometimes Roos with pick just to let the hen know they are still in charge just keep an eye on him that it doesn't go any further.

 

[stonykill]

Alot of folks want nothing but pure breeds but this goes to show that mixes are beautiful. and make great mamas too.

my feeling is mutt's just like in the dog world are healthier as well. I love my pure breeds and my mutts. An EE is a mutt. Just an acceptable mutt to the masses.