Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[BoereMeisie]

She is so lovely! What a good momma!

Thanks. I think she's an absolute stunner though my opinion might be a bit biased

 

[sacramento]

I have a hen on 2 little bantam silkie eggs... one is at day 18 the other day 15. will the 18 day one hatch today? I have read the banties tend to.

 

[MzPlacedHippie]

Don't know about banties, but I've already found a day in either direction is highly likely.

 

[Cowgirl212]

My black orpington decided to go broody exactly 21 days ago today, She started sitting on 1 lonely egg so of course I added a few others under her.

The first egg is starting to hatch!
I have never had a broody hatch eggs. I am wondering if I should put medicated chick feed out, because I want to protect my chicks. Will the medicated feed hurt my adult chicks or ducks? (I've heard ducks shouldn't have medicated feed) If medicated feed isn't the way to go, then what are some other recommendations to protect my chicks?

As of right now I am planning on keeping the chicks with mom, and the few other chickens and 2 ducks that are in the pen along w/ them. I think mom will do best keeping the chicks, and I just enjoy seeing a mother do her thing! But if I have to separate I will. Anyone have any advise on raising chicks with their moms? Most all the info I see is on hatching chicks w/ an incubator and raising them separate.
Thanks!

 

[sacramento]

Should I keep looking out for any signs of an early hatch? What is the earliest it would hatch? (if you haven't noticed... this is my first hatch. Ever. so lots of questions here!)

 

[MzPlacedHippie]

I was the same way! I just peeked under my girl every morning. If she's not going to let you do that, my hen clucked and cooed more and differently at her eggs when they started. She didn't leave the nest at all either. On hatch day I just found there was a chick & an egg pipping. No need for me at all. I had stressed so much! I don't know how anyone could use an incubator, I'd go nuts!

 

[sacramento]

My hen has gotten a little more... feisty? She get's insecure in a matter of seconds, but she didn't use to. Is that because the egg is hatching soon? Also... is there anything i need to do with the mama or the chick after it hatches?

 

[Pyxis]

Well, I'm seeing if Penny will take the chicks now. No signs of aggression when I slipped the first four under her, so I'm going to go back out in half an hour and if she's still got them warm and toasty and happy I'll give her the other six.

 

[MzPlacedHippie]

My hen has gotten a little more... feisty? She get's insecure in a matter of seconds, but she didn't use to. Is that because the egg is hatching soon? Also... is there anything i need to do with the mama or the chick after it hatches?

I just made sure the other chickens couldn't bother mine. I had another go broody before hers hatched so they had to go in lock down to keep the peace. After the first day I offered them chick starter and Tilly took over all lessons from there.

 

[MzPlacedHippie]

Well, I'm seeing if Penny will take the chicks now. No signs of aggression when I slipped the first four under her, so I'm going to go back out in half an hour and if she's still got them warm and toasty and happy I'll give her the other six.

Hoping it goes well!