Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[MEMama3]

Alright, I have a new problem that I didn't find addressed here and it is a different problem than most that incubate hatch face.  I have two brahma chicks that were raised under a broody in a mixed flock.  I'm separating the brahmas into a different breeding pen so that I can keep their lines pure.  It has really caused a commotion with the entire flock, both sides.  Does anyone have an easy way to do this so that it doesn't cause so much havoc?

any time you change up the flock there is going to be upheaval. Maybe you can try doing it at night? Otherwise, I think they just have to work it out amongst themselves.

 

[colvard]

I have a free range broody hen. She has been laying on a clutch of egg for nearly 3 weeks. Last night she was attacked. She is alive but missing an eye, part of her comb, and a lot of feathers from the back of her neck. I have moved her and the eggs to an isolated coop. If she lives what are the odds of her continuing to lay on the eggs?

 

[bumpercarr]

I have a free range broody hen. She has been laying on a clutch of egg for nearly 3 weeks. Last night she was attacked. She is alive but missing an eye, part of her comb, and a lot of feathers from the back of her neck. I have moved her and the eggs to an isolated coop. If she lives what are the odds of her continuing to lay on the eggs?

Wow, sorry that this happened. I don't know whether she will stay on the eggs or not, I'd probably have an incubator standing by just in case she either dies or leaves the nest. Hope she's okay

 

[bumpercarr]

any time you change up the flock there is going to be upheaval. Maybe you can try doing it at night? Otherwise, I think they just have to work it out amongst themselves.

It is done now. Just wondering if there was an easier way to remove them from the flock for the next time this comes up. I actually moved their broody with them, but she got on top of the coop and flew out and then flew back into the other coop. This is quite a feat since both are covered with netting. I have no idea how she did it, just checked on them after about an hour and she was back with the flock. These birds are so funny. Luckily, the chicks can't fly yet or they would have followed her out I'm sure.

 

[chickydee64]

I have a free range broody hen. She has been laying on a clutch of egg for nearly 3 weeks. Last night she was attacked. She is alive but missing an eye, part of her comb, and a lot of feathers from the back of her neck. I have moved her and the eggs to an isolated coop. If she lives what are the odds of her continuing to lay on the eggs?

Odds are good................

 

[Johnn]

 

[bumpercarr]

I separated the two chicks from the rest of the flock about two days ago (8 weeks old today). A little sad for them, but I'm trying to work on a breeding program and these two are possibly the foundation birds. The little pullet has already learned to jump on my lap to get her treats, the cockerel is not so sure. Mom didn't seem to mind them being taken away, but they sure don't like it!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

2-4 days until my very first hatch guys! (can't recall the exact day I put them under her) So excited to see what comes out of the remaining 9 eggs in the nest! (Three of the twelve candled and were later cracked and confirmed as total duds, but three showed definite signs of development!)

 

[fisherlady]

2-4 days until my very first hatch guys! (can't recall the exact day I put them under her) So excited to see what comes out of the remaining 9 eggs in the nest! (Three of the twelve candled and were later cracked and confirmed as total duds, but three showed definite signs of development!)

Good luck!! Hope it goes well for your broody!

 

[BoereMeisie]

I have a question: I have a Rhode Island Red hen who went broody around the 17th of September, and she gets off her nest once or twice a day to eat, drink and stretch a little. I know this is normal, but I also have a Silkie hen who went broody a few days ago. I'm worried about her because she's not getting off her nest at all... (Unless she gets off at night... Yes I'm watching pretty much throughout the day). Should she be lifted off her nest once a day or should I just let her do her own thing? Don't want her to die sitting on those eggs...