Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[poodlechicks]

My eggs were all set at the same time and from the sam source as well. What I have noticed in the beginning of the brood is that some of them were left out from under the hen for about half a day. And that was only once. I don't know if that would delay the development a little or not under these conditions. Tomorrow being day 3 for the first born, I'll have to make a decision. But I do hope I don't end up with only 2 chicks

In my case I know the eggs are all set at the same time... so other experiences may vary... but I have found that if any eggs don't hatch within 24 hours of the first out then they aren't going to hatch, or they are weak and don't make it. but again, that is on hatches that are all set at the same time and from the same source.... there are a lot of variables which can change it.

Thanks for your help. You and all here have been so supportive.

 

[bumpercarr]

One more chick!

But I could only see its light yellow legs. No feathering, though. I wonder if a cochin cross would always have feathered legs. Today is a cool, rainy day and the chicks are staying under momma. Summer doesn't let me get close, only to wait on her with food and water, of course

I want to leave her alone because there are still eggs under her. Today is day 22, so I am planning on leaving her be till tomorrow afternoon before I check the unhatched eggs.

What is the latest you all have experienced with hatches under a broody?

Generally speaking (I think I posted this a few days ago) feather footed is a dominant trait and will show up in your crosses with feathered feet. Anyway, the answer is yes, a cochin cross would almost always have feathered feet. There are a few exceptions, but they are pretty rare. It can take many generations to breed out feathered feet and even then some of the chicks will show up with light feathering on their feet.

As far as late hatches under a broody, first off, I would wait until she leaves the nest (usually 2-3 days after the last one hatches). You can candle at that point to see if any of the eggs are viable and need to go into the incubator if you have one. Usually if she can feel movement from the eggs, she will stay on them depending on how many chicks she has under her at the time. Most of the time though, the chick's movement, noise and activity make it difficult for her to know that there are more to hatch. I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but if it is warm and humid the eggs will survive for a little while without mom on top of them until you can get them into an incubator....even a homemade one works. Someone on one of my other threads just hatched 4 out of 6 with a heating pad because momma left the nest with her two chicks.

 

[bumpercarr]

For those who ask about various genes (feather footed, egg color, etc) and aren't able to use the chicken calculator, here is a list of genes and their dominant/recessive traits. Hope this helps someone:

http://sellers.kippenjungle.nl/page3.html

 

[Dumb Kluck]

For those who ask about various genes (feather footed, egg color, etc) and aren't able to use the chicken calculator, here is a list of genes and their dominant/recessive traits. Hope this helps someone:

http://sellers.kippenjungle.nl/page3.html

Thanks! I've been wondering about my polydactyl chicks LOL one has SIX toes on each foot, most have five and some are shaped very strangely?!! I hope to photo them soon, but the chicks are just too quick and wiggly to get a good shot.
Oddly enough we have a polydactyl cat as well, 7 toes on each front foot & 6 on each back foot, oddest thing I've ever seen, a cat with a pair of opposoable thumbs on both front paws! Should have named her mittens?

 

[bumpercarr]

Thanks! I've been wondering about my polydactyl chicks LOL one has SIX toes on each foot, most have five and some are shaped very strangely?!! I hope to photo them soon, but the chicks are just too quick and wiggly to get a good shot.
Oddly enough we have a polydactyl cat as well, 7 toes on each front foot & 6 on each back foot, oddest thing I've ever seen, a cat with a pair of opposoable thumbs on both front paws! Should have named her mittens?

Do you live near a nuclear power plant or what?

 

[Sydney Acres]

Thank you everyone!!! I checked periodically throughout the night and Momma had stayed in the box with the babies "whew"! This morning was rather hilarious...Babies running everywhere, the frizzles practically standing on top of one another to try and stay away from them so Mom's wrath wouldn't come their way and Dot high on the perch just surveying and not moving. Mom flew up to the perch for a moment or two (I would too haha) I can't believe that chicks are never quiet...or atleast mine aren't. How can you constantly be making sound and still have a "voice" left?

I have always had separate feeding stations as she took them down into the run at 1-2 days old and none was getting near anything!

That would have been great to video!! It sounds like the first introduction went well.

 

[Tabatha]

My broody butt, Janet, is doing an awesome job. It's day 20, and the phoenix eggs i have under her are pipping and peeping. She is so dedicated that she has gone pale. I have food and water 2 inches from her face, but she turns her beak at it. I cooked her some rice, grits, and eggs...hopefully she will eat some of it. Congrats to all who are hatching!

 

[Sydney Acres]

For those who ask about various genes (feather footed, egg color, etc) and aren't able to use the chicken calculator, here is a list of genes and their dominant/recessive traits. Hope this helps someone:

http://sellers.kippenjungle.nl/page3.html

Thank you for that link. It is an amazing site. If you click on the picture on the top of that page, it takes you to the home page of the site, which is a table of contents, The site is huge, and has not just chickens, but other domestic fowl also. Very important information for any breeder trying to achieve a specific goal.

 

[Dumb Kluck]

Do you live near a nuclear power plant or what?

I don't know anyone who doesn't live near a nuclear power plant anymore... if you ask me, Fukushima is too close :/ Cat sure can hunt though, nothing gets away. On Christmas morning she woke me up to let her in & showed me the fresh bird she'd nabbed, she held it up, spread the wings & made it dance the limp headed dance of recent death, offering to share with me her prize. I'm not sure she's ever forgiven me for refusing her generosity :/

 

[Tabatha]

For those who ask about various genes (feather footed, egg color, etc) and aren't able to use the chicken calculator, here is a list of genes and their dominant/recessive traits.  Hope this helps someone:

http://sellers.kippenjungle.nl/page3.html

Please send some of those people who are doing projects to my thread. I'm trying to make a place to people to learn by seeing results and reading stories. It hasn't really taken off :/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/895132/breeding-project-recipes-show-tell#post_13631872