Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[PD-Riverman]

I am planning on getting chicks tonight to put under a broody hen. She is a first time mom but always been a very determined to sit. She has been sitting on eggs for over a week.

How old is to old for chicks to be adopted by a broody? These babies were hatched Jan. 13th and today is the 16th so 3 days old. I have the broody box dark and quiet so hopefully it will go smooth!

It is possible at 3 days, but the broody might be to smart for this switch(hasn't been long enough to hatch). Put them under her in the dark----be standing close by at the crack of day to see what happens. She might peck them to death---Might love them to pieces. Are the eggs fertile under her? If so---what are you going to do with them when you remove them to put the chicks under her? Good Luck!

 

[tjo804]

A few pictures of Lacey with her latest group, despite cold temperatures they are out and about most of the time and love using their mama as a jungle gym.

BEAUTIFUL!
Is that a SL Brahma?

 

[fisherlady]

BEAUTIFUL!
Is that a SL Brahma?

Thank you, lacey is a silver pencil Plymouth rock.

 

[tjo804]

Quote:
She is fantastic I love her face.
Is that a gentle breed or kinda nutty like the leghorns?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

A few pictures of Lacey with her latest group, despite cold temperatures they are out and about most of the time and love using their mama as a jungle gym.

Beautiful momma, beautiful babies. Love seeing the photos.

Your Silver Penciled Rocks are so appealing. I just love how they look.

LofMc

 

[chickenmomma16]

 
I am planning on getting chicks tonight to put under a broody hen.  She is a first time mom but always been a very determined to sit.  She has been sitting on eggs for over a week.

How old is to old for chicks to be adopted by a broody?  These babies were hatched Jan. 13th and today is the 16th so 3 days old.  I have the broody box dark and quiet so hopefully it will go smooth! 

It is possible at 3 days, but the broody might be to smart for this switch(hasn't been long enough to hatch). Put them under her in the dark----be standing close by at the crack of day to see what happens. She might peck them to death---Might love them to pieces. Are the eggs fertile under her? If so---what are you going to do with them when you remove them to put the chicks under her?  Good Luck!

My eggs are fertile. I was going to toss them because I don't need any more EE chicks. I hope it goes well too! It's a huge gamble I know, but it could pay back big. I have a back up plan but I will be holding my breath!!
Earlier today I took her off the nest so she ate, drank, dust bathed, and relieved herself. I took some of her eggs away and left her with a few eggs. My plan was to let her sit on some eggs and after the chicks were under her and settled take the rest of the eggs late tonight I am trying to mimic what would happen with chicks hatching and her still sitting on eggs. I don't plan on keeping the other eggs under her too long... I hope this is a good plan.. If not, I'm in trouble!

 

[tjo804]

The Chicks talk to her and she to them from the eggs before they hatch.

 

[Alex1010]

Finally might be apart of this thread!! I think my Asil hen wants to go broody. Can't wait to post it if she does, she hatched out 11/11 chicks last time

 

[fisherlady]

She is fantastic I love her face.
Is that a gentle breed or kinda nutty like the leghorns?

Thanks, for the most part my group are very laid back and tolerant. I find them mellow and easy to be around...find a reputable breeder and ask them about the personality of their strain of birds. Some are broodier than others. This is Lacey's 4th hatch in 11 months.

Beautiful momma, beautiful babies. Love seeing the photos.

Your Silver Penciled Rocks are so appealing. I just love how they look.

LofMc

Thank you, one of these days I'm going to ship a dozen eggs to the PNW

 

[chickenmomma16]

The Chicks talk to her and she to them from the eggs before they hatch.

So far so good! Everyone is quiet... hope that's a good sign. Eggs are all out from under her and chicks are snuggled into her feathers. I decided to only get 5 chicks and not over load her. I guess the real test will be tomorrow if/when she decides to leave the nest. She is a sweet hen normally so I have high hopes for her.