Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[chickeneer45]

I never got a clear response... is one day too young for holding chicks? if so what day is best?

 

[hotrodflash]

I never got a clear response... is one day too young for holding chicks? if so what day is best?

I handled mine as soon as they were dry. Not for long, just long enough to check them over and give them back to mom.

 

[fisherlady]

I never got a clear response... is one day too young for holding chicks? if so what day is best?

I asked for that other poster to clarify his response but he hasn't... so all I can offer is this...
I have handled all of ours within first day and had no harm come to them from it. I did have clean hands and didn't handle them extensively, but did check all of them over for anything that needed medical attention.

 

[lawatt]

my fourth broody, Daisy the australorp, hatched 6 of her nine eggs yesterday:


two cream legbars (center and right front), a boy & a girl -- then two isbars and two isbar/blue marans crosses, not sure who is who yet!

 

[essyd]

Aaaaahhhhhh had to share my EXCITEMENT just went and checked on my silkie and the eggs are cchheeeeping

Oh I'm so happy eekk lol

 

[fisherlady]

Aaaaahhhhhh had to share my EXCITEMENT just went and checked on my silkie and the eggs are cchheeeeping

Oh I'm so happy eekk lol

 

[lindsay297]

Well I am back.......Mallow did it again. After hatching out 5 Orphingtons for me in February she has decided to get back in the mood!! Now I only have to find her some real eggs. She has taken possession of 7 plastic easter eggs so far!! Will get a pic of her as soon as I get real eggs under her!!

 

[Bikerschick]

hey lindsay... could i ask you (or anyone willing to answer...lol) an unrelated question?
the list of your chickens - and sometimes other pets, and family- thats down in your siggy...
is that info put into the "my coop" slot, or a "list"... or????
thanks.

 

[Fowl Menagerie]

Hate to change subject, but just watched a disturbing video on you tube where P.Allen Smith states that broodies neither eat, drink, or potty when they become broody until they either hatch their eggs or quit setting, He is in one video wiring a goose into her nest to keep other geese from laying fresh eggs in it. He further states that a bowl of water is all she needs as she will not leave the nest or eat until she hatches her eggs This is not a concern to me and others out there who have been hatching with broodies forever, but for beginners looking for "how to" information could have a very bad ending. We all know this is not true. Broodies leave their nest every day to take care of business, and if the weather temp. is good they may even be gone for quite awhile, I would hate for a newby to have a bad experience and become discouraged right away.

 

[fisherlady]

Hate to change subject, but just watched a disturbing video on you tube where P.Allen Smith states that broodies neither eat, drink, or potty when they become broody until they either hatch their eggs or quit setting, He is in one video wiring a goose into her nest to keep other geese from laying fresh eggs in it. He further states that a bowl of water is all she needs as she will not leave the nest or eat until she hatches her eggs This is not a concern to me and others out there who have been hatching with broodies forever, but for beginners looking for "how to" information could have a very bad ending. We all know this is not true. Broodies leave their nest every day to take care of business, and if the weather temp. is good they may even be gone for quite awhile, I would hate for a newby to have a bad experience and become discouraged right away.

That is disturbing to say the least! Hate seeing info like that passed along.

Edit to add... I didn't find a video where he was wiring the bird in... but did see one where he made the comments about broodies (he was dealing with a hen at that time) not needing to eat or get off of the nest.
I know that isn't the case with chickens, but I don't have experience with broody geese or turkeys to know if they act differently.