Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

Day 18, I lured my broody away from the nest with mealworms and candled her 5 eggs. They all looked totally full, I couldn't even make out air cells on some of them, which concerned me, but that might be due to the dark shells.

One had a small hole in the shell that I could swear looked like it came from the inside but its way too early right? I was so spooked I gave it a quick sniff (smelled fine) and put it back under her. Was that the right thing to do? Should I check on it tomorrow?

Dark eggs are always harder to candle, especially Maran eggs with their extra coats of coloring. If you couldn't see anything but the eggs felt heavy then that's a great sign they are going to hatch in the next couple of days. I would leave them alone and wait it out. BTW if you're having hot and humid weather like we are in Virginia, the eggs could hatch as early as day 19. Listen for the tiny chirps if you can, they are adorable to hear.

I've left eggs alone until Day 25 and had some hatch late. The broody will leave the nest when she's done hatching them. Having spent many a time cracking open the ones left behind I now just trust the broody and don't open them.. She won't leave a chick that's going to hatch. She can hear it chirping even if you cannot.

 

[little]

hi everyone,happy 4th of july. just a quick note to update.little gimpy chick died b4 i got home and my sweet hubby disposed of it for me.so i spent some time with momma tilly and babies after work and the joy they ooze all over you is a miracle of god.at 4 days old they were hopping and crawling all over momma. eating dry food and drinking water just like a real chicken.it was so cool and such a gift to be able to sit and share.thank you to all whove helped educate me .pics to follow

 

[TheGeekySheep]

I checked on broody this morning and things have taken a scary turn. I need advice.

The egg with the hole in from last night was gone completely shell and all, there was blood in the shavings, and all that was left was a single chick foot.

I see two possibilities:

1. The egg got punctured accidentally at some point and the chick was dead inside, would explain why I didn't hear any cheeping. The broody ate it to keep the nest clean.

2. Homicidal broody.

Its day 19, I have an incubator running but the eggs in it are at day 13. Should I transfer the eggs and lock down? Wait and see?

 

[fisherlady]

I would expect answer #1... so still would wait and observe. if another incident occurs then pull the eggs. are you able to be around for hatch time? If so, then check after you hear the first one hatch.
I have had many hens eat the eggs when they died, but it has never turned them into homicidal broodies. Homicidal broodies or poor mother happen, certainly, but they aren't the norm.

 

[TheGeekySheep]

I really hope its #1. The fact that she ate the entire shell too gives me hope, I just hope it doesn't make her sick.

I'll be here most of the weekend so I will try to check in on her every once in a while.

 

[poodlechicks]

hi everyone,happy 4th of july. just a quick note to update.little gimpy chick died b4 i got home and my sweet hubby disposed of it for me.so i spent some time with momma tilly and babies after work and the joy they ooze all over you is a miracle of god.at 4 days old they were hopping and crawling all over momma. eating dry food and drinking water just like a real chicken.it was so cool and such a gift to be able to sit and share.thank you to all whove helped educate me .pics to follow

So sorry about you chick. I agree that momma must have known something was wrong and rejected it.
I'm glad you are enjoying the little ones. Please, do post pictures. They must be adorable.

Happy 4th to you and all on this thread!

 

[bobbieschicks]

So sorry about you chick. I agree that momma must have known something was wrong and rejected it.
I'm glad you are enjoying the little ones. Please, do post pictures. They must be adorable.

Happy 4th to you and all on this thread!

Ditto.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I really hope its #1. The fact that she ate the entire shell too gives me hope, I just hope it doesn't make her sick.

I'll be here most of the weekend so I will try to check in on her every once in a while.

Agreed. I doubt she's going on a killing spree. If you have other chickens there one (or more) of them could have helped to dispose of the remains as well. Chickens eat a lot of stuff I wouldn't expect them to eat. But definitely keep an eye out as to how she handles those that hatch.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I checked on broody this morning and things have taken a scary turn. I need advice.

The egg with the hole in from last night was gone completely shell and all, there was blood in the shavings, and all that was left was a single chick foot.

I see two possibilities:

1. The egg got punctured accidentally at some point and the chick was dead inside, would explain why I didn't hear any cheeping. The broody ate it to keep the nest clean.

2. Homicidal broody.

Its day 19, I have an incubator running but the eggs in it are at day 13. Should I transfer the eggs and lock down? Wait and see?

Oh and as far as merging the two clutches in the bator, I would not recommend it. The day 19 eggs have different needs from the day 13 eggs regarding humidity levels. You're better off leaving the chicks to the mom or getting a separate brooding area set up for the new,y hatched chicks.

 

[little]

still trying to figure put how to get pictures on to this site.

yea!