Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[chickensnbees]

I'm hoping someone with duck egg experience chimes in here... but my last experience with hipped eggs was chicken eggs... I let them set for a day, then under the broody they went.  (actually they set for just over a half day, since I gave them to her late that night)

Thanks! How was your hatch rate?

 

[fisherlady]

Quote:
8/8.... but I had an experienced broody who did all of the work.

 

[daniellea2912]

Question for those with broody hen experience- I have a 7-8 month old hen who decided to go broody a few days ago. I have never had any of my flock go broody as of yet but I always figured she would be the one who did (only one to really squawk at the others or me whenever shes in the nest box). Anywho, I have hatchery chicks coming in a little under 5 weeks... of course she couldn't have waited to go broody a few weeks as that would be too convenient. Should I let her sit that long and try to put the chicks in with her once they come? It just seems like 4-5 weeks is a long time. If I dont do that, I thought about seeing if I could find a few hatching eggs on craigslist or something to put under her once I am sure shes "in it for the long haul" (and not just sitting a day or two) just to see if she will hatch them. What do you all think?

 

[fisherlady]

Question for those with broody hen experience- I have a 7-8 month old hen who decided to go broody a few days ago. I have never had any of my flock go broody as of yet but I always figured she would be the one who did (only one to really squawk at the others or me whenever shes in the nest box). Anywho, I have hatchery chicks coming in a little under 5 weeks... of course she couldn't have waited to go broody a few weeks as that would be too convenient. Should I let her sit that long and try to put the chicks in with her once they come? It just seems like 4-5 weeks is a long time. If I dont do that, I thought about seeing if I could find a few hatching eggs on craigslist or something to put under her once I am sure shes "in it for the long haul" (and not just sitting a day or two) just to see if she will hatch them. What do you all think?

either will work, it is always a toss up as to whether or not a hen will adopt other chicks though... if for some reason the chicks are delayed in transit and you get them as 3 day olds instead of 1 day olds they will be harder to graft, though it may still work. If you decide to wait just make sure you keep her well fed and watch her weight and body condition, and have an alternative brooder set up in case she doesn't take the chicks, or if they don't take to her for some reason (that can happen also)

as far as hatching eggs... (always my preference if given a choice)... I don't know what part of Ohio you are from but you may be able to go directly to a hatchery to get eggs if you want. Or go to the Ohio thread here on BYC and find someone close to you with a breed you are interested in and arrange to get eggs either direct from them or shipped if need be.

I know of one breeder on the PA/Ohio line who often has a variety of eggs available, though they are show and heritage lines, so expect to pay $20/dozen.
Also, check your local Craigs list and check at your local Tractor supply store or feed mill, they are often familiar with folks who have chickens locally so you may find a source for fertile eggs in your area although breed choices may be more limited I have to admit I have always had a soft spot for good old farmyard mutts, and for a first time broody you may like that they are often more hardy and vigorous as chicks too.

 

[daniellea2912]

either will work, it is always a toss up as to whether or not a hen will adopt other chicks though... if for some reason the chicks are delayed in transit and you get them as 3 day olds instead of 1 day olds they will be harder to graft, though it may still work. If you decide to wait just make sure you keep her well fed and watch her weight and body condition, and have an alternative brooder set up in case she doesn't take the chicks, or if they don't take to her for some reason (that can happen also)

as far as hatching eggs... (always my preference if given a choice)... I don't know what part of Ohio you are from but you may be able to go directly to a hatchery to get eggs if you want. Or go to the Ohio thread here on BYC and find someone close to you with a breed you are interested in and arrange to get eggs either direct from them or shipped if need be.

I know of one breeder on the PA/Ohio line who often has a variety of eggs available, though they are show and heritage lines, so expect to pay $20/dozen.
Also, check your local Craigs list and check at your local Tractor supply store or feed mill, they are often familiar with folks who have chickens locally so you may find a source for fertile eggs in your area although breed choices may be more limited I have to admit I have always had a soft spot for good old farmyard mutts, and for a first time broody you may like that they are often more hardy and vigorous as chicks too.

Thanks for the info! I am actually picking up my chicks next month from Meyer so they should be just a day old... but I guess you never know what could happen. I have a brooder all ready to go, as I figured I would not luck out and get a broody at the correct time. I understand shes a first time broody and either way I decide to go, it may not work out. ... Ill probably give her a few days to see if shes gonna stay on the nest and if so maybe start looking for just a few eggs nearby

 

[fisherlady]

I'm not sure of distances involved, but there is a lady on the Pa thread who actually moved into central Ohio (I believe) a few months ago. She has what she calls her 'rainbow layers' and almost always has eggs and chicks available. I can get you her user name if interested...

 

[daniellea2912]

Yes that

I'm not sure of distances involved, but there is a lady on the Pa thread who actually moved into central Ohio (I believe) a few months ago. She has what she calls her 'rainbow layers' and almost always has eggs and chicks available. I can get you her user name if interested...

Yes that would be awesome I have emailed someone from craigslist but who knows if that will work out. I am about an hour west of Columbus but would be willing to drive a little if it would spare the eggs the shipping process. Thanks!

another question- how many eggs would you put under a first time broody?

 

[fisherlady]

Yes that
Quote:
If she is a large fowl she should be good for 8-12 (depending on what she can easily cover)... I usually figure about a 75 to 80% hatch, and 8 chicks are plenty for a hen to keep track of. Remember... you will have to house and feed them when they get older, so you have to take your coop set up into consideration.... and you will end up with boys and girls... so start planning early how to handle extra boys. Figure on them crowing by 14 weeks or so (a few sooner, some later)

I'll edit this post with the correct spelling of silkie's name...

SilkieSensation

she lists Roseville, Ohio as her location on her profile, you can PM her if she is close enough to you

 

[daniellea2912]

Thanks!

 

[Debs55]

A chick hatched!!!! 3 days late but one hatched!!