Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Rnbwbrite1207]

I don't have any Broody hens currently but one of my pullets has started hiding eggs in the nest. Burying them in the nesting material. It's only happening in one nest box. I have a fake egg in two of three boxes and I rotate them around they all lay with the fakes. But now the empty box will have an egg hidden in it. Is this just a quirky habit or is someone showing signs of being broody.

 

[jojosthings]

I'm day 20 of my first time hatching eggs. My 2 buff orps have been sitting on 5 eggs each all of which are alive and well (well at least when I last candeled them on day 16) I've just come back from a 4 day trip away and found 3 eggs have vanished!!??! a friend was looking after them giving them food and water etc. No other hens are in the coop other than the 2 broodies. Could the other hen have stolen her eggs!? There's no shell yolk or blood anywhere in the nest so they couldn't have all broken!!??! or been eaten could they??! any clues? Thanks

 

[Jeniferl29]

Look at what we hatched today!

 

[chickydee64]

Look at what we hatched today!

OMG.How cute. Is that a Serama chick in the hand?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Look at what we hatched today!

Awwww! Adorable!

 

[Jeniferl29]

It is a little button quail. They are so tiny, I am almost afraid to touch them. LOL
Here is one next to a newly hatched OEG Bantam mix:

 

[jelly beeny]

*sigh*Day 24 & nothing. Afraid to leave any longer in this heat.
1st egg was watery & black inside. 2nd egg was developed but no feathers.
These were the most expensive eggs I have ever ordered & were English orps.
Out of 6 eggs none hatched. This was an experienced mother, so not her faults.
I don't think the eggs were good. Won't deal with that breeder again. : (

I think I have the same problem, its sad that you pay all that money and get nothing in return. Im on day 22 but I really don't think anything will happen with them. Unfortunately the only other potential fertile eggs I have are duck eggs but id feel bad taking the eggs away and giving her a duck egg as that would mean letting her sit for another month or so xxx

 

[arkansaschicks]

Hey quick question guys...I have a hen that just hatched out chicks 3 days ago and she is dying to get out of the brooder area and go outside. Is it ok if mom and chicks go outside in an area where the others can't harm them? Its pretty warm outside so I wouldn't think they would get cold

 

[OHfarmerswife]

Hey quick question guys...I have a hen that just hatched out chicks 3 days ago and she is dying to get out of the brooder area and go outside. Is it ok if mom and chicks go outside in an area where the others can't harm them? Its pretty warm outside so I wouldn't think they would get cold

ark I let my broody take her chicks outside with the other hens, she will protect them. I always return her to the brooder at night, at least for the first 2-3 weeks. Just keep am eye out, but Agger should be able to handlejust a few chicks.

 

[arkansaschicks]

Thanks! I just wanted to let her and the chicks out for an hour or so a day when I get home from work.