Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

I have all 5 of my hens being broody and loving it...I am lucky that my hens are more than able to be handled since we do "Rock-A-Bye-Chickie" at least 4 times per week...Sadly, my rooster hates to be sung to. Just a firm believer, in handling daily when possible, the chickens...makes them friendlier...
 
Wow... I am just really depressed right now. My first broody ever and today was her one week mark. I was going to candle them all today, but when I got home and checked on her she was sitting on three other eggs that weren't hers. The ten that were hers were still warm so I grabbed her and put her on the ten eggs hoping she hadn't been off long. Since I am new to broodies, maybe I did the wrong thing, but after a week of sitting, my broody hen just got up and walked outside the coop: clearly no longer broody. I am so upset. What am I supposed to do with ten eggs with developing chickens in them? I can't eat them, and they can't develop any further so I guess they will just die.... I am so sad. Should I just smash the eggs? I smashed two to see if they were developing after the incident and both had blood in them and I could see veins... :( I just don't know what to say.
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My broody goes off her nest every now and then. I see her outside going potty, drinking, eating treats, and stretching. She stays out maybe 5 - 10 minutes and then goes back in and sits. She is now sitting on pipping chicks!
 
OK I need help!!!
How an when do you sex your chicks?
I am new to raising chicks.
Last year was my first and I just ordered sexed chicks from a hatchery.
I have 22 chicks!
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OK I need help!!!
How an when do you sex your chicks?
I am new to raising chicks.
Last year was my first and I just ordered sexed chicks from a hatchery.
I have 22 chicks!
barnie.gif
It depends on the breed of the chick. Some you can tell on the first day - like the sex-link chicks from hatcheries.
I don't usually worry about it till about 20 weeks. Then there's no question about who is who.
Actually I'm curious too - for a complete answer to the question
 
I know this thread isn't about who can post the cutest pictures but I can't resist. These 2 went broody at the same time so I stuck 8 eggs under each. Now they share the mothering duties and they huddle together all the time. She has her wing over the other one!!!
 
I know this thread isn't about who can post the cutest pictures but I can't resist. These 2 went broody at the same time so I stuck 8 eggs under each. Now they share the mothering duties and they huddle together all the time. She has her wing over the other one!!!

Gallons of cuteness here! Post away!

Oh how adorable!
 
It depends on the breed of the chick. Some you can tell on the first day - like the sex-link chicks from hatcheries.
I don't usually worry about it till about 20 weeks. Then there's no question about who is who.
Actually I'm curious too - for a complete answer to the question


No sex links. Orpingtons, Ameraucanas, Olive Eggers, Iowa Blues, & cochins
 
I hear peeping under my broody today! Only saw one empty green shell! We had 6 cochin eggs under her. Can't wait to get a view of the new babies. Do you guys move the mom to remove all the empty shells?
 

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