Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[chick lovers]

Lock down starts tomorrow on my two broodies. One has seven the other has three, both are first time broodies, so excited.

 

[winteree]

Lock down starts tomorrow on my two broodies. One has seven the other has three, both are first time broodies, so excited.

good luck can't wait to see pics

 

[winteree]

Day 20..................first look at the world!

awww so cute

 

[winteree]

awww so cute

those feather are lovely what breed is the broody?

 

[Tabatha]

Lock down starts tomorrow on my two broodies. One has seven the other has three, both are first time broodies, so excited.

what does everyone mean by "Locking down" broodies? I've heard this over and over, but never knew. I have 3 going at once right now...All in boxes right beside one another. Should I separate them?

 

[Scott H]

Quote:
She is a Partridge Wyandotte from a breeder here on BYC, Chickenhill. She's a great bird.

 

[fisherlady]

what does everyone mean by "Locking down" broodies? I've heard this over and over, but never knew. I have 3 going at once right now...All in boxes right beside one another. Should I separate them?

The reference is to the last day or two of the broody's incubation period... much like eggs in an incubator a broody also quits getting up the last day or two before hatch. Not all hens do this, but many do. Each hen will have her own time frames also. I have hens who refuse to get up the last 2 days, and others who I have seen up the day before hatch. Though honestly, I don't ever remember any of our hens being up off of the nest voluntarily while there were pips or active hatching.

 

[Sydney Acres]

I have a sweet lil' broody, probably because she watched me bring her all those eggs to sit, and little treats like fresh grapes a couple times per day. She chatters and lets me stroke her head, I can lift her aside & inspect the eggs, then set her back on the nest with only the occasional squeak of protest. I've seen her up a few times; still fluffed and vocal, to stretch her legs, snack, drink &/or take a quick dust bath while one of the Wyandotte's sits the nest.

Tame broodies are the sweetest birds. They let you share such an amazing process, and you really appreciate what it takes for a hen to hatch chicks.

 

[Sydney Acres]

I have my first egg from my new phoenix egg theif hen. So friggin excited!

Wow, that is the smallest broody I've ever seen!! I don't think she can cover that many eggs, but she's giving it a good try.

 

[Tabatha]

Wow, that is the smallest broody I've ever seen!!  I don't think she can cover that many eggs, but she's giving it a good try. 

lol. Hahaha. Got me on that one.