Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bumpercarr]

Came home from vacation to a broody hen that has who knows how many eggs under her. The house sitter said that she hasn't found any eggs in the laying box for at least 2 weeks.... x 3 a day makes for a really big clutch under her! I think it is probably too late to do anything about it now and she's meaner than snot, in order to candle under this one I'll have to do it at night, use a head blocker (usually a scrap of wood or something else to block her view). She's covering them all, but who knows if anything will hatch. I'm not sure I have the energy right now....maybe in a few days since I'm not even sure when these are due. And talk about a staggered hatch! OMG, it will be amazing if we get anything out of this!

The last broody deserted her chick at a little under 3 weeks. Took her out of the "chick" pen and put her back with the flock. The chick is managing well with the older chicks to keep it warm.

It's always somethin', isn't it? LOL.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Came home from vacation to a broody hen that has who knows how many eggs under her. The house sitter said that she hasn't found any eggs in the laying box for at least 2 weeks.... x 3 a day makes for a really big clutch under her! I think it is probably too late to do anything about it now and she's meaner than snot, in order to candle under this one I'll have to do it at night, use a head blocker (usually a scrap of wood or something else to block her view). She's covering them all, but who knows if anything will hatch. I'm not sure I have the energy right now....maybe in a few days since I'm not even sure when these are due. And talk about a staggered hatch! OMG, it will be amazing if we get anything out of this!

The last broody deserted her chick at a little under 3 weeks. Took her out of the "chick" pen and put her back with the flock. The chick is managing well with the older chicks to keep it warm.

It's always somethin', isn't it? LOL.

Yes indeed...I'm finding each hatch presents its own set of problems.

I'm still waiting on mine...going on day 25 now...they started to hatch Friday day 23, got the chilled chick recuperating in the make shift nursery...its stronger but still pretty wobbly and not flitting around like a proper 2 day old...back at the broody hutch, I've got one black chick out of its shell and drying under momma, but looks spindly and wobbly, last egg is zipped and peeping, so I'm letting momma sit and take care of those 2 today. I'm hoping to integrate Chilly (it is an Ice-bar after all) back to momma within the next day or two once the others finish hatching.

Not thrilled with the set of chicks emerging...look spindly, wobbly and not overly thrifty. The breeder very generously gave me these eggs as the first hatch didn't didn't develop anything, and in her kindness gave me smaller eggs to be sure the smaller bantam Cochin could cover, but I wonder if they were not the best eggs to set...maybe from too young of pullets...hmmmm.

Time will tell...still working on getting 3 Isbars.

LofMc

 

[bumpercarr]

Yes indeed...I'm finding each hatch presents its own set of problems.

I'm still waiting on mine...going on day 25 now...they started to hatch Friday day 23, got the chilled chick recuperating in the make shift nursery...its stronger but still pretty wobbly and not flitting around like a proper 2 day old...back at the broody hutch, I've got one black chick out of its shell and drying under momma, but looks spindly and wobbly, last egg is zipped and peeping, so I'm letting momma sit and take care of those 2 today. I'm hoping to integrate Chilly (it is an Ice-bar after all) back to momma within the next day or two once the others finish hatching.

Not thrilled with the set of chicks emerging...look spindly, wobbly and not overly thrifty. The breeder very generously gave me these eggs as the first hatch didn't didn't develop anything, and in her kindness gave me smaller eggs to be sure the smaller bantam Cochin could cover, but I wonder if they were not the best eggs to set...maybe from too young of pullets...hmmmm.

Time will tell...still working on getting 3 Isbars.

LofMc

I find that late hatchers are usually pretty weak when they finally do hatch. However, I've also noticed that they catch up. So, if it a breed that you really want, it might be worthwhile to work with them to see if they make it. Sometimes, no matter what you do they just don't thrive. I hatched some out in the incubator a few weeks ago...lost power for 15 hours on day 20 (not very good timing). None of the 4 that hatched would eat or drink. They finally succumbed, even though we tried our hardest to encourage them to eat.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I find that late hatchers are usually pretty weak when they finally do hatch. However, I've also noticed that they catch up. So, if it a breed that you really want, it might be worthwhile to work with them to see if they make it. Sometimes, no matter what you do they just don't thrive. I hatched some out in the incubator a few weeks ago...lost power for 15 hours on day 20 (not very good timing). None of the 4 that hatched would eat or drink. They finally succumbed, even though we tried our hardest to encourage them to eat.

Good thoughts...I am working with the little guy...letting momma work with the other 2...I will keep encouraging them and supporting....good to hear that late hatchers can catch up. I've had strugglers, but never this late of hatch. Very odd hatching...don't know what set them so far behind as I am pretty certain momma stayed the course at all times...she was blocked from day one from the others, so I know she wasn't pushed off the nest, and she certainly has been a steady fixture. All I can come up with is either small pullet eggs or the bedding getting kicked off so much that the hen was basically on the plastic liner and heat not regulating evenly.

Yes, it is a breed I really, really want...Isbars are medium size, feed efficient birds that lay large, very pretty mint green eggs.

LofMc

 

[McCaskill]

starting a little late on this but my Broody FBCM is due between the 28-30 day 18 today and had high temps the whole time she was sitting I have 5 frizzle bantams and 3 Silver laced Wyadote mixes we shall see, if this goes well I will be letting her set each year I can. plus I have an EE that is broody but with no rooster myself i may move her into the broody box once my hen has been with the chicks 3 or four day or may and graft some day olds onto her in two weeks or so not sure yet

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Update...the first rescued chick is getting stronger and looking better all the time.

First...does that mean a second? Yes...it does...momma is still sitting on a slowly hatching egg that I am going to let her work on as the chick has pipped, zipped and still chirping loudly...with my mini-ICU incubator bulb funky, I know I can't keep an even temperature. I'm surprised this is hatching as I though it was going to be a quitter as I candled at day 13 and knew it was behind a bit..it had a 2 day lag although they were all set at the same time...now I know it didn't quit (reason I give all in doubt a chance).

I checked this morning and saw the above-mentioned hatching chick's egg and a black chick...I went out this afternoon to find the black chick chilled and stumbling by the feeder and water...I'm thinking starving as this is now day 25. Fortunately, it was not as cold as the first chick as I have been checking more frequently.

Black chick no. 2 has been appropriately water bathed, blown dried, and Sulmet/Chick Saver treated...it is reviving quickly in another make shift brooder. (I had to separate them as chick no. 1 has gotten so vigorous that it was running over chick no. 2 while it stumbled and did the turtle back thing trying to warm up).

I'll remain diligent to see how this last chick hatches...I would like to get them all reintroduced back to momma as soon as she kicks into chick mode rather than hatching mode...this is her first hatch and I think the staggering is something she hasn't adjusted to....apparently she is the type to sit on the hatching egg rather than tend to the hatched chick.

Photos below of chick #1 Chilly (which my daughter has dubbed Jolly for Jolly Roger as it holds one eye closed sometimes)...and my rescue chick #2 Little Blackie. Since these are Blue Isbar, looks like I'm thus far getting 1 Blue, 1 Black...and we'll see if the third hatches out Splash...that would be cool.

Chicks in make shift brooders (one science thermometer and one sadly over-used chick thermometer now re-set by said science thermometer):





I had an absolute moment of brilliance for what to put food and water in (remember I don't do heat lamp brooding anymore as the hen is SUPPOSED to be doing that)....the chicks are too small for the quart size feeder/waterer and they always knock over or walk into bowls and such....

I noticed my tea sets I keep on my window sills and pulled these child size Japanese tea cups...cut off a section of egg carton...and voila...emergency ICU chick size water and feed bowl that won't tip or risk drowning perfect for ICU chick




More news soon...thus far though...it looks good to say I've got 2 Isbars Hopefully the last will hatch very soon...I couldn't find it under momma and didn't want to lift her completely up...but it was chirping very loudly just an hour or so ago...I'll look again in a few hours to see if I need to rescue treat it too.

I plan to put them all with momma as soon as they are stable on their legs and don't look at risk again. Open to any suggestions from you experienced rescue hatchers @fisherlady and @bumpercarr

LofMc

 

[fisherlady]

Update...the first rescued chick is getting stronger and looking better all the time.

First...does that mean a second? Yes...it does...momma is still sitting on a slowly hatching egg that I am going to let her work on as the chick has pipped, zipped and still chirping loudly...with my mini-ICU incubator bulb funky, I know I can't keep an even temperature. I'm surprised this is hatching as I though it was going to be a quitter as I candled at day 13 and knew it was behind a bit..it had a 2 day lag although they were all set at the same time...now I know it didn't quit (reason I give all in doubt a chance).

I checked this morning and saw the above-mentioned hatching chick's egg and a black chick...I went out this afternoon to find the black chick chilled and stumbling by the feeder and water...I'm thinking starving as this is now day 25. Fortunately, it was not as cold as the first chick as I have been checking more frequently.

Black chick no. 2 has been appropriately water bathed, blown dried, and Sulmet/Chick Saver treated...it is reviving quickly in another make shift brooder. (I had to separate them as chick no. 1 has gotten so vigorous that it was running over chick no. 2 while it stumbled and did the turtle back thing trying to warm up).

I'll remain diligent to see how this last chick hatches...I would like to get them all reintroduced back to momma as soon as she kicks into chick mode rather than hatching mode...this is her first hatch and I think the staggering is something she hasn't adjusted to....apparently she is the type to sit on the hatching egg rather than tend to the hatched chick.

Photos below of chick #1 Chilly (which my daughter has dubbed Jolly for Jolly Roger as it holds one eye closed sometimes)...and my rescue chick #2 Little Blackie. Since these are Blue Isbar, looks like I'm thus far getting 1 Blue, 1 Black...and we'll see if the third hatches out Splash...that would be cool.

Chicks in make shift brooders (one science thermometer and one sadly over-used chick thermometer now re-set by said science thermometer):





I had an absolute moment of brilliance for what to put food and water in (remember I don't do heat lamp brooding anymore as the hen is SUPPOSED to be doing that)....the chicks are too small for the quart size feeder/waterer and they always knock over or walk into bowls and such....

I noticed my tea sets I keep on my window sills and pulled these child size Japanese tea cups...cut off a section of egg carton...and voila...emergency ICU chick size water and feed bowl that won't tip or risk drowning perfect for ICU chick




More news soon...thus far though...it looks good to say I've got 2 Isbars Hopefully the last will hatch very soon...I couldn't find it under momma and didn't want to lift her completely up...but it was chirping very loudly just an hour or so ago...I'll look again in a few hours to see if I need to rescue treat it too.

I plan to put them all with momma as soon as they are stable on their legs and don't look at risk again. Open to any suggestions from you experienced rescue hatchers @fisherlady and @bumpercarr

LofMc

Sounds like you have done an amazing job of it.... not too sure that I would have anything to add unless it would be that I have given weaker chicks a bit of apple juice with brown sugar mixed in as an energy boost when they aren't able to eat yet. Yogurt with their chick food is also a regular treat for ours. When we graft them to a broody we often will give them a very low dish with some scrambled eggs mixed with finch seed after they have been together for at least an hour. (we do the cooked egg and seeds through a small food chopper and then mix in a bit of chick food). This gives the hen a chance to call the chick out for something good as it's first exposure to her and the hens seem to like having a broody job to take care of.

Edit to add... I absolutely love the feed dish set up!

 

[bumpercarr]

Update...the first rescued chick is getting stronger and looking better all the time.

First...does that mean a second? Yes...it does...momma is still sitting on a slowly hatching egg that I am going to let her work on as the chick has pipped, zipped and still chirping loudly...with my mini-ICU incubator bulb funky, I know I can't keep an even temperature. I'm surprised this is hatching as I though it was going to be a quitter as I candled at day 13 and knew it was behind a bit..it had a 2 day lag although they were all set at the same time...now I know it didn't quit (reason I give all in doubt a chance).

I checked this morning and saw the above-mentioned hatching chick's egg and a black chick...I went out this afternoon to find the black chick chilled and stumbling by the feeder and water...I'm thinking starving as this is now day 25. Fortunately, it was not as cold as the first chick as I have been checking more frequently.

Black chick no. 2 has been appropriately water bathed, blown dried, and Sulmet/Chick Saver treated...it is reviving quickly in another make shift brooder. (I had to separate them as chick no. 1 has gotten so vigorous that it was running over chick no. 2 while it stumbled and did the turtle back thing trying to warm up).

I'll remain diligent to see how this last chick hatches...I would like to get them all reintroduced back to momma as soon as she kicks into chick mode rather than hatching mode...this is her first hatch and I think the staggering is something she hasn't adjusted to....apparently she is the type to sit on the hatching egg rather than tend to the hatched chick.

Photos below of chick #1 Chilly (which my daughter has dubbed Jolly for Jolly Roger as it holds one eye closed sometimes)...and my rescue chick #2 Little Blackie. Since these are Blue Isbar, looks like I'm thus far getting 1 Blue, 1 Black...and we'll see if the third hatches out Splash...that would be cool.

Chicks in make shift brooders (one science thermometer and one sadly over-used chick thermometer now re-set by said science thermometer):





I had an absolute moment of brilliance for what to put food and water in (remember I don't do heat lamp brooding anymore as the hen is SUPPOSED to be doing that)....the chicks are too small for the quart size feeder/waterer and they always knock over or walk into bowls and such....

I noticed my tea sets I keep on my window sills and pulled these child size Japanese tea cups...cut off a section of egg carton...and voila...emergency ICU chick size water and feed bowl that won't tip or risk drowning perfect for ICU chick




More news soon...thus far though...it looks good to say I've got 2 Isbars Hopefully the last will hatch very soon...I couldn't find it under momma and didn't want to lift her completely up...but it was chirping very loudly just an hour or so ago...I'll look again in a few hours to see if I need to rescue treat it too.

I plan to put them all with momma as soon as they are stable on their legs and don't look at risk again. Open to any suggestions from you experienced rescue hatchers @fisherlady and @bumpercarr

LofMc

I think I said before that I don't like to rescue chicks...but sometimes you just have to, especially if they are a breed/variety that you've been trying so hard to get.

So, the only other thing that I do....don't slap me for saying this...is take away the struggling chick from the mother that is still in the shell. I dunk the shell (with chick) into a warm bath (not the head, just body down) and slowly peel away the shell. Most of the time when I am doing this, it is a chick that has been trying to hatch for more than 24 hours. I can usually see inside the pip/zip holes and can see that it is losing strength quickly. Sometimes, they dry out or get shrink wrapped. I rescued one once that was so dried out it's wings were stuck to it's sides! It never would have survived.

Other than that, you are doing amazing! I sometimes use mayonnaise jar lids for food/water for the first few days, but I like your set up much better! As you know, it's important to get them back under her as soon as you can so that she will begin taking care of her babes. Another good brooder set up is a heating pad tented up for them to get under. I find that resembles an actual hen more than the heat lamp does and makes reintegration go a little easier (as if it is ever easy). Good thing it is a long weekend, these are the kind of nights that I'm up all night long checking, rechecking!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I think I said before that I don't like to rescue chicks...but sometimes you just have to, especially if they are a breed/variety that you've been trying so hard to get.

So, the only other thing that I do....don't slap me for saying this...is take away the struggling chick from the mother that is still in the shell. I dunk the shell (with chick) into a warm bath (not the head, just body down) and slowly peel away the shell. Most of the time when I am doing this, it is a chick that has been trying to hatch for more than 24 hours. I can usually see inside the pip/zip holes and can see that it is losing strength quickly. Sometimes, they dry out or get shrink wrapped. I rescued one once that was so dried out it's wings were stuck to it's sides! It never would have survived.

Other than that, you are doing amazing! I sometimes use mayonnaise jar lids for food/water for the first few days, but I like your set up much better! As you know, it's important to get them back under her as soon as you can so that she will begin taking care of her babes. Another good brooder set up is a heating pad tented up for them to get under. I find that resembles an actual hen more than the heat lamp does and makes reintegration go a little easier (as if it is ever easy). Good thing it is a long weekend, these are the kind of nights that I'm up all night long checking, rechecking!

I have not tried the egg shell in water yet...I just peeled away dry for my Buckeye shrink wrap rescue...and fluff came off with it. I like the water routine...I find that really revives them quickly.

I have gone back and forth on whether to take that last chick out from momma...I would have done so if these hadn't been in such a state that I had to intervene for them...I know momma is set on that last egg waiting too long and not tending to her babies.

But now I have a dilemma, if I take the last chick away, I risk breaking momma's brood with no one to take care of...and the babies are not ready to go back out after getting so thoroughly chilled....so I guess I'll wait to literally see what hatches letting the 2 in the house get strong enough.

I hope to integrate at least the first chick tomorrow...it is starting to hop in the box looking for stuff to do...yeah. I think chick no. 2 will be much stronger tomorrow too.

I do hope this hen proves to be a good mother and doesn't insist on sitting on air...I don't have any other broodies right now....I might try taking the Silkie and seeing if I could force her into a brood then add chicks...but that is risky....Ms. Marvel looked like she was playing at brooding the other day and she is an experienced hen....

Yes, I've not been getting a full night sleep as I am checking on chicks...and if this wasn't a very rare specialty breed, I would be letting the chicks fall where they may as I too don't like to intervene if I can help it....but the Buckeye project taught me that intervening can work out and I have 2 very strong healthy Buckeye hens now.

ETA: Love the idea of the heat pad tent...I will try that next time

Sounds like you have done an amazing job of it.... not too sure that I would have anything to add unless it would be that I have given weaker chicks a bit of apple juice with brown sugar mixed in as an energy boost when they aren't able to eat yet. Yogurt with their chick food is also a regular treat for ours. When we graft them to a broody we often will give them a very low dish with some scrambled eggs mixed with finch seed after they have been together for at least an hour. (we do the cooked egg and seeds through a small food chopper and then mix in a bit of chick food). This gives the hen a chance to call the chick out for something good as it's first exposure to her and the hens seem to like having a broody job to take care of.

Edit to add... I absolutely love the feed dish set up!

LOVE the idea of integrating with food treat so momma has to call them over for something...I have been wondering how I can make that transition go better...just watching and waiting for my bantam Cochin to finally indicate she is ready for the nursery rather than the birthing room.

Learning lots with this project (serves me right for using a first timer on expensive Isbar eggs...but these are free this time from the breeder in replacement of the others that didn't hatch under my experienced hen...so I guess it wasn't such a risk other than I REALLY want these birds)...thanks very much for the input. @bumpercarr and @fisherlady

LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Just checked third chick...still very vigorous and almost fully zipped...making the judgment call to leave it with momma to hatch so that the 2 inside can get stronger before trying to integrate them...I don't think fake eggs will keep momma to the nest as she is so close to real chicks...we'll see how this works.

LofMc