Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[birdman4259]

This is a must read article for first timers. Excellent answers to all my questions.

 

[QueenofKings]

So apparently, I went in to check on my broody and now her flockmate has stolen her eggs and is determined to incubate them. If it lasts for more than 3 days then I'll go ahead and get her her own eggs and see how she does.

 

[sahmhomesteader]

So apparently, I went in to check on my broody and now her flockmate has stolen her eggs and is determined to incubate them. If it lasts for more than 3 days then I'll go ahead and get her her own eggs and see how she does.

Yay for two broodies! So did you put the eggs back under the original broody?

 

[QueenofKings]

Yay for two broodies! So did you put the eggs back under the original broody?

I did. But the other hen responded by trying to sit on B1. I let them be and they sorted themselves out. Though, it seems I'll have to get B2 her own eggs despite all the chaos last night and trying to put her by the roost, she refuses to move.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I did. But the other hen responded by trying to sit on B1. I let them be and they sorted themselves out. Though, it seems I'll have to get B2 her own eggs despite all the chaos last night and trying to put her by the roost, she refuses to move.

If they will sit together and you're not hurting for chicks, just let them co brood. I've had broodies do that and it worked just fine.

 

[sahmhomesteader]

I did. But the other hen responded by trying to sit on B1. I let them be and they sorted themselves out. Though, it seems I'll have to get B2 her own eggs despite all the chaos last night and trying to put her by the roost, she refuses to move.

I see! Super excited for you! How many will you put under B2?

 

[ochochicas]

I had a second hen go broody half way through incubation. I took half the eggs and gave them to the second broody to hatch out. After the eggs hatched there was some confusion with the chicks concerning who their momma was. They were all bonded to the sounds of the first broody (the second one rarely talked to her eggs). I had to completely separate them so the chicks would bond to the correct hen. Now everything is fine.

 

[QueenofKings]

They smashed two eggs in their struggle to sit on the nest and now they have completely seperate nests. I dashed out and bought them eggs from Trader Joe's and both have calmed down since their nests have been supplemented. I doubt many of those will hatch but others here have had some success with them so we shall see.

 

[sahmhomesteader]

They smashed two eggs in their struggle to sit on the nest and now they have completely seperate nests. I dashed out and bought them eggs from Trader Joe's and both have calmed down since their nests have been supplemented. I doubt many of those will hatch but others here have had some success with them so we shall see.

Aww sorry to hear that about the 2 eggs. I hope you have good luck with the Trader Joe's eggs.

 

[QueenofKings]

Apparently they were packed on August 5th, so the eggs are a week old. Reading up on TJ eggs this seems an okay date. Anyway, they took the eggs under their wings and I'll let them be for now. Someone needs to put a lock on that coop and keep me out for the rest of the incubation period/