Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Johnn]

Hmm so should I move her to a covered or uncovered cat litter box? Also should I put the eggs in it and then sit her on top or put her in the box and then the eggs under her?
I just did all my reserach on incubating, I wasn't expecting a broody hen.

If you want to move her I would make it so the cat box is covered, so she feels same and comfy.

 

[Cheerful]

I moved my broody *before* she was sitting on the eggs I wanted her to hatch, so not sure this applies, but I put a "decoy" egg in the box and put her in it and waited till the next morning to see how she was. (she was off it, but I put her back on and she stayed. I had made a lid to the box which I think was too low and once I raised it she was happy) Then I gave her the eggs - just put them down beside her and she gathered them all in.

 

[OffGridMAMA]

My broody Jap hen did the same thing this weekend when we moved to our new house. When i put her in her new area she got off the nest and paced the fence. I give her about 30 minutes to freak out and then i picked her up and put her back on her nest and covered the whole litter box with a heavy towel. She instantly chilled out and has been on nest since. I took the towel off that night when she was asleep. I hope that helps!! Good Luck with your hen

Thanks for the advice I just put the Rubbermaid box back in original location and placed hen back on eggs... she flattened out over them and gave me her growl.... crazy hen! Hope at least a few hatch.... day 21. is Monday.

 

[OHfarmerswife]

Just went to check on my broody, today is # 20. She wanted out, so while she was dust bathing I picked up one egg, it wiggled and peeped!!!!!

I am soooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!

 

[Moni]

Awes

Thanks for the advice I just put the Rubbermaid box back in original location and placed hen back on eggs... she flattened out over them and gave me her growl.... crazy hen! Hope at least a few hatch.... day 21. is Monday.

Awesome... Thats good news!! Its so disappointing when they get that far in and something goes wrong. Tuesday is my hatch day. Can't wait to see your pics.

 

[luvmychicken]

Thanks luvmychicken! I am hoping the hens will be ok together to save multiple pen construction, feeders, etc. These girls roosted and foraged together prior to going broody, so they aren't total strangers!


I have two banty sisters that went broody the same day, in the same pet carrier! I have always heard broodies are pretty irritated by other chickens, but these girls seem to like each other's company. They even leave the nests together everyday to eat and whatnot! I am sure those girls will be fine together with chicks!  

She even let another help her set. But she did the raising of the chicks. They are 6 weeks old yesterday It's looks funny when they still try to get under her at night to sleep. They are getting big

 

[bobbieschicks]

Today was supposed to be hatch day, but nothing yet. Bunny got down briefly to eat and drink. She rushed back to the coop and was freaking out along with the rest of the gang when some large birds were flying low overhead. Then she got back on her two eggs. While she was off I quickly looked at them, they both feel pretty heavy but no signs of pips or chirping, so time will tell.

Everyone is tucked in and I will give her a few more days since I could have miscalculated her due date. Day 25 should be Sunday, so she has until then to either hatch these eggs or give up on them.

 

[OHfarmerswife]

went out late this afternoon to let my chickens fee range. Checked on my broody Mary. We have three little black chicks!!!!
Three out of 8 so far

 

[fisherlady]

went out late this afternoon to let my chickens fee range. Checked on my broody Mary. We have three little black chicks!!!!
Three out of 8 so far

 

[Johnn]

Today was supposed to be hatch day, but nothing yet. Bunny got down briefly to eat and drink. She rushed back to the coop and was freaking out along with the rest of the gang when some large birds were flying low overhead. Then she got back on her two eggs. While she was off I quickly looked at them, they both feel pretty heavy but no signs of pips or chirping, so time will tell.

Everyone is tucked in and I will give her a few more days since I could have miscalculated her due date. Day 25 should be Sunday, so she has until then to either hatch these eggs or give up on them.

Good Luck!