Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

Just a few new pictures today.. She took them out of the nest today

Adorable

 

[Destinysma]

Probably you will need to brood them separately, but you can certainly give it a try. Success depends on the broody's temperament, the week old chicks size compared to the day olds size, and day olds adaptability. If the broody is laid back, the week olds small in stature and the day olds hardy enough it may work.

I'd slip them under her after sunset at night and at first dawn be ready to remove if necessary. Keep an eye on whether they are getting bullied by the week olds., that's more than just a little peck here and there.

Thank you for the input. So far she is just a super sweet hen. She let me handle her while she was setting, never pecked me once, just got a bit puffy I will give it a try and see what happens. fingers crossed! I realize the wise thing to do is probably to leave her just these 5 for now...but I am obsessed over having more chicks right now

 

[Destinysma]

I don't heat my coop. But we don't get extreme weather here in VA. It dropped to the upper teens overnight awhile back and everyone in the coop was fine, but it warmed up during the day. Haha we have very different ideas of what extreme weather is Right now the lows have been in the high 30's/low 40's but a couple weeks ago when we had a cold snap it was about 30/31. To me, that is extreme!
If you have another potential for broody you could also let the nonbroody one hang out with the broody in hopes she will help raise them as well.
I never realized this was a possibility? I have been trying/hoping for another broody, but so far no luck. I do have one or two who keep trying to get into the broody pen, I think out of curiousity, more than maliciousnes..the same two that kept laying eggs in the broody nest (and this was after I had moved her to a new location. Maybe I will try one of those hens with mama and the babies and watch and see what transpires....

 

[Johnn]

Ive just thaught, Can you hatch a shelless egg?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Ive just thaught, Can you hatch a shelless egg?

I don't see why it couldn't be possible if the conditions are right. Someone posted a Youtube video of a chick developing in a petri dish (like someone had cracked an egg into a petri dish, so no shell or membrane holding the insides together). A cute little peeper made it thru that. I can't remember which section it was posted under, but a search would probably find it easy enough. VERY cool stuff
Nikki

 

[Leahs Mom]

Just a few new pictures today..



She took them out of the nest today

They look great! How are your temps?

 

[CamiLynn]

I snuck out and lifted my broody hen to check her day 19 eggs and there was a pip!! I'm going nuts wanting to know what's going on!! I went out a couple hours later and lifted her again (she is very sweet and let's me mess w her) and it looks to have a larger pip!!

Before I go messing things up...is it ok to lift her quickly to see or should I keep my hands off and wait...which would really drive me mad lol

 

[bobbieschicks]

I snuck out and lifted my broody hen to check her day 19 eggs and there was a pip!! I'm going nuts wanting to know what's going on!! I went out a couple hours later and lifted her again (she is very sweet and let's me mess w her) and it looks to have a larger pip!!

Before I go messing things up...is it ok to lift her quickly to see or should I keep my hands off and wait...which would really drive me mad lol

Leave her alone and just be patient. Just like opening the bator is not good for humidity and temperatures, so too is lifting the broody. Quick peeks are even not really good, but I totally understand cuz I do it myself. lol.

You will soon have some little peeps running around. But please, hands off for now

 

[CoopChick719]

New pics at 5 days old!!

Family meeting. Starting on the left we have Flacco (hatched on Super Bowl Sunday), Chipmunk, Mom-Janice, Pitch and Spot. I'm thinking I've got 3 barred rocks & 1 EE. Would welcome any of your thoughts?




Dinner time



Barred Rocks?

 

[bobbieschicks]

New pics at 5 days old!! Family meeting. Starting on the left we have Flacco (hatched on Super Bowl Sunday), Chipmunk, Mom-Janice, Pitch and Spot. I'm thinking I've got 3 barred rocks & 1 EE. Would welcome any of your thoughts? Dinner time Barred Rocks?

Awwwhhh. Adorable! And such a pretty momma