Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

I know the pictures make it look like everything was smooth. But no.

First the maran attacked me and the chick then flew out of the nest.
She ran off with the RIR so I put all 8 under the silky.
Then the maran was back on her nest so I tried again.
This time I got them under her and then gave both moms food to give their babies.
So I left them pecking at the chicks and feeding them.

Returned and it looked like the broodies had settled down with their babies.

I'll check again soon.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Quote: I would agree -- the broodies do all the work. You just have to provide a safe place for them, food and water available that is appropriate for chicks, and monitor for any problems. Young chicks are great at doing stupid chick tricks, and sometimes they get into situations that mom can't get them out of, so they do need to be watched. Co-broodies are wonderful when they work, but realize that they don't always work. Monitor closely for a few days to make sure that the two hens are peacefully sharing the chicks, as sometimes they will fight and the chicks will get injured or killed.

 

[chippysmom327]

My broody just decided to go on a little lunch break I scolded her, fed her some scratch out of my hand real quick and threw her back on the nest.

All eggs are pipped with one starting to zip.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Heard the clash of thunder so I went out to check on everyone.

RIR momma has her three in the grass.

The silky is down on the floor with her four and one of the Maran chicks.
The Maran is in her nest with the remaining three. So I shifted her chick back under her.

Hoping everyone goes/stays where they belong and the broodies quit trying to hatch eggs. There are zero eggs in the coop now. I'm also removing the bedding as they get out of the nests so the boxes can be returned to rollout status.

I'll check again in about an hour. Hoping they can work out who gets what chicks and start training them.

 

[bobbieschicks]

My broody just decided to go on a little lunch break I scolded her, fed her some scratch out of my hand real quick and threw her back on the nest.

All eggs are pipped with one starting to zip.

Good grief! Broodies! Here's hoping you have some fuzzy butts soon!

 

[chippysmom327]

My broody just decided to go on a little lunch break I scolded her, fed her some scratch out of my hand real quick and threw her back on the nest.

All eggs are pipped with one starting to zip.

Good grief! Broodies! Here's hoping you have some fuzzy butts soon!

Thanks! Your babies are ADORABLE by the way. I'm a sucker for chipmunk babies. My first chicken was/is named Chippy. Only one out of 13 to hatch lookin like a little Chipmunk.

 

[Johnn]

They are so cute!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Thanks! They are on their own now, it's pouring rain outside. I'll check later when it hopefully won't be raining.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Thanks! Your babies are ADORABLE by the way. I'm a sucker for chipmunk babies. My first chicken was/is named Chippy. Only one out of 13 to hatch lookin like a little Chipmunk.

I love the chipmunk look. I'm guessing those are my EE and the solid black ones are the OE.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Rushed out and checked on them since it's just sprinkling now.

Maran and silky are in nests. Both have babies with them. But one EE was trying to get back into the nest of the silky who pecked her. So I helped her into the Maran nest where she belongs. I'm sure there will be multiple times of that since they all arrived in the same box they figure they're related. The mommas will have to separate them or let them group naturally. The RIR is under the coop on her three not looking forward to getting them in tonight.

Chick drama!