Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Jharper]

Went to go put up my broody and her chicks. Couldn't fond them and then 20 minutes later I found them nested up in a flower pot. Haha

 

[BCMaraniac]

I just did exactly what you said and it went perfect! Thank you! It was super happy to be with her. I'm so glad, it's way less stressful for everyone here! And while I was out there I heard peeping from another nest and my other broody's egg hatched a day early!

Congratulations! I am so glad the reuniting went well. I really didn't want to raise a single chick...for her sake or mine.

 

[BCMaraniac]

Well, 8 eggs hatched, and Mama got up. There were three eggs left under her, all pipped and partially zipped. The first two hatched, and I put them under Mama. The third was almost completely zipped, so I picked up the egg and put it under her. I had just gotten it on the ground under her when the chick pushed itself out. So, 100% hatch (11/11) A few minutes later I saw one of the new ones out from under her, and she wasn't interested in it going back under. So I checked it and it was cool....and still wet. So I took it and put it under lights, warmed it, gave it Quik Chick with a little sugar added. It became more active, up on its feet walking without apparent defect......and cheeping because it was all alone. So I took it and gave it back to Mama. When she showed no aggression, I put it part way under her and it squirmed itself out of sight. Time will tell, but I am so pleased with the hatch.....and Mama is eating with a vengeance

Here are a few of them:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=680040525344756

Here is my lavender orpington roo.....the daddy of all my mutt chicks.

 

[JohnsonHomested]

Just hatched our first mixed-breed clutch with our 14-month-old grey cochin. We have (we think) 1 australorp, 1 light brahma, 1 buff orpington, 1 americauna, and 2 barred rocks, all fathered by a RIR roo. Dusty started with 12 eggs; 2 were infertile/never developed, 3 died during development, 1 died while hatching, and 6 are healthy and active. Is 6/12 a poor result for a broody hatch? She was an EXCELLENT broody, never off her eggs for more than a few minutes at a time from day #1 so I'm kind of surprised only 6/10 made it. Any tips for next time?



We also have these two biddies who have decided to go broody together and share responsibility of setting. Neither is very happy about sharing but between the two of them, someone is always on the eggs. Not quite sure how that will work out in the end, but we let them have 7 eggs.

 

[Nike]

Congratulations! I am so glad the reuniting went well. I really didn't want to raise a single chick...for her sake or mine.

I totally agree! This happened once before but the moms were fighting over the chick so I had to go out and buy it friends lol. So thankful
I now have six chicks because my third broody had two eggs hatch woooo!

Congrats johnsonhomstead!!!! Those are beautoful~!

 

[CoopChick719]

So the eggs my co-sitting Sizzles did not hatch Friday Day 21 and today is Day 25. I didn't candle because they were tucked way under the nesting boxes. We, my sister & I, were not sure if they were fertile even though she does have a rooster. My question is what happens to my hens if I take the eggs? Will they be looking for chicks? It breaks my heart to have them sit for 21 days and have none hatch.

 

[chickydee64]

So the eggs my co-sitting Sizzles did not hatch Friday Day 21 and today is Day 25. I didn't candle because they were tucked way under the nesting boxes. We, my sister & I, were not sure if they were fertile even though she does have a rooster. My question is what happens to my hens if I take the eggs? Will they be looking for chicks? It breaks my heart to have them sit for 21 days and have none hatch.

My best guess is they will continue to try to set....steal eggs or sit on air..........................
You could check one egg or just let them go............
If they are not fertile, the hen will quit setting them.
They are soooooo smart..................

 

[chickydee64]

my english Orp has gone broody

But I need eggs, tired of hatching mine...........................

 

[Sumatra503]

Henrietta Turkey still has 10 banty eggs under her! She is so gentle and easy on them, too!

Tomorrow I candle them and see what's what.

 

[chickydee64]

I went to close the coop up for the night and Lacy and here two chicks, Stanley and Abbey were no where to be found. I freaked out cause I had just put them in with the flock 2 days ago. Turns out that she had gone to roost with the others and the chicks were tucked under each wing. That roost is 3 feet high, but they got up there. So how long will she watch over them? No one seems to care about them at all. They already seem to be part of the flock. 3 weeks old now. Also I know nothing about genetics, my question is. I have all blue wyandottes. so how did I end up with a white chick? Thanks for any info.

HI,
Concerning how long she will mother them. I have found it depends on the hen.
some of mine want to get it over,others will let the chick stick their head under her at night when they are darned near as big as she is.................
Generally, at least till they are feathered out well.
Very nice that they are doing well with the flock. Our old rooster use to feed the chicks.......really fun to watch........