Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[AnneInTheBurbs]

Here are some pictures of my broody mama (the black chicken). She's lucky enough to have a broody turkey as a nanny! The poults love to snuggle with the turkey and jump on her back.

I think that is so cute...I love how comfortable the chicks are with the other flock members (or is it only the turkey hen they will go near?)...the fun part of seeing chicks brooded amongst the flock is often their interactions with other flock members. It sure doesn't take them long to figure out who to avoid and who they can use as a jungle gym! We have a few 'nanny' types and they are priceless members of the flock.

Yes, they pretty much only go to her and the Mama. There is another turkey hen, but she doesn't stay in the coop; this hen is broody so she is always on the floor. The past two nights, the broody chicken has perched up on the roost, while the turkey hen keeps the babies warm. I guess the Mama chicken figures they are warm and not screeching, so they are okay.

@AnneInTheBurbs
Do you think there is some level of instinctual recognition on the poults' part that tells them she is a turkey like they are? Even though they know their broody as 'mama' they are drawn to the turkey mama....

I wondered about that too! Especially that the turkey hen doesn't mind at all. This morning I saw them jumping on her back and like usual, pecking her eyes. She was as calm as could be about it. It will be interesting to watch! The broody chicken is lucky to have a nanny!

 

[MasAhora]

I have 2 pullets building clutches - their eggs are about 90-95% full sized. Is this going to affect chick development?

The sisters have made a hidden nest in the paddock and one has laid 9 eggs, the other 6 so far in two nests beside each other -but distinctly separate. They started laying around 6-8 weeks ago and always in the coop. If there is chance the eggs are fertile and the girls set on them, I'd be so happy to get a couple of chicks...the likely father passed a few days ago from injuries.

 

[slantrhymes]

Hi, all! I have my first broody in my first full flock on a clutch of hatchery eggs right now. She's flattened out over the nest, and rolling eggs under her/rearranging nesting materials, not to mention the bites she's been giving me (and assorted inanimate objects I've had near her) and the hissing, spitting, and puffing up. Also, not laying, and only pooping once or twice a day, not moving from the nest much, etc. So, she's definitely broody...right?

I ask because when my boyfriend or I forces her off the nest (and we have had to force her off to go do her business the last two days!), she walks back into the coop, clucking a lot, and then...hangs out on the roosting bars for a while. We've moved her back into the nesting box each time, and she's immediately switched to softer clucking and gently rolling eggs back into place under her, then settling in and refusing to leave again.

So... What gives with choosing the roost? It almost seems like she's upset while she's up there, clucking loudly & constantly until we guide her back to the nest. Then she's fine, and back to what I read as pretty strong broody behaviour. Does she just lose track of the nest? Is she just stretching her legs? Anyone with more experience have any advice?

I have an incubator on standby just in case she abandons her nest (she's a mature laying hen, but first time actually hatching). It doesn't seem like it'll be necessary...except for those 10ish minutes after she goes outside and returns to the roost. Is this normal?

 

[NysiaAnera]

Hi, all! I have my first broody in my first full flock on a clutch of hatchery eggs right now. She's flattened out over the nest, and rolling eggs under her/rearranging nesting materials, not to mention the bites she's been giving me (and assorted inanimate objects I've had near her) and the hissing, spitting, and puffing up. Also, not laying, and only pooping once or twice a day, not moving from the nest much, etc. So, she's definitely broody...right?

I ask because when my boyfriend or I forces her off the nest (and we have had to force her off to go do her business the last two days!), she walks back into the coop, clucking a lot, and then...hangs out on the roosting bars for a while. We've moved her back into the nesting box each time, and she's immediately switched to softer clucking and gently rolling eggs back into place under her, then settling in and refusing to leave again.

So... What gives with choosing the roost? It almost seems like she's upset while she's up there, clucking loudly & constantly until we guide her back to the nest. Then she's fine, and back to what I read as pretty strong broody behaviour. Does she just lose track of the nest? Is she just stretching her legs? Anyone with more experience have any advice?

I have an incubator on standby just in case she abandons her nest (she's a mature laying hen, but first time actually hatching). It doesn't seem like it'll be necessary...except for those 10ish minutes after she goes outside and returns to the roost. Is this normal?

If she is sitting on fertile eggs, and you want her to hatch them, then I recommend just leaving her alone and letting her do her thing. When she is being forced off the nest, it is stressing her out. Broody hens will get off the nest on their own when they need to, they don't need help. It is instinctual, they know what to do. By continuing to force her off the nest, you may end up breaking her broodiness and either losing any developing chicks, or have to attempt to save the eggs by incubating them inside.

 

[NysiaAnera]

I have 2 pullets building clutches - their eggs are about 90-95% full sized. Is this going to affect chick development?

The sisters have made a hidden nest in the paddock and one has laid 9 eggs, the other 6 so far in two nests beside each other -but distinctly separate. They started laying around 6-8 weeks ago and always in the coop. If there is chance the eggs are fertile and the girls set on them, I'd be so happy to get a couple of chicks...the likely father passed a few days ago from injuries.

The majority of eggs my hens have hatched up till now have been smaller than the "full size" of their eggs and we have had no problems with development or hatching. I have never let them attempt to hatch the tiny eggs from new layers, only eggs from hens who have been laying for at least 3-4 months so their eggs are bigger. Actually, I thought all my hens were laying full size eggs until the past few weeks when I started getting much larger eggs. I don't have a scale, so I don't know weight, but I would label them jumbo! So if they are 90-95% full size, my guess (from my own personal experience) is that they will be fine.

 

[slantrhymes]

If she is sitting on fertile eggs, and you want her to hatch them, then I recommend just leaving her alone and letting her do her thing. When she is being forced off the nest, it is stressing her out. Broody hens will get off the nest on their own when they need to, they don't need help. It is instinctual, they know what to do. By continuing to force her off the nest, you may end up breaking her broodiness and either losing any developing chicks, or have to attempt to save the eggs by incubating them inside.

Thank you! I'll try not to fret over her so much.

 

[NysiaAnera]

Thank you! I'll try not to fret over her so much.

You are very welcome! "Try" is the key word! It is SO very difficult, but you will be rewarded for it.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I ask because when my boyfriend or I forces her off the nest (and we have had to force her off to go do her business the last two days!),

If she is sitting on fertile eggs, and you want her to hatch them, then I recommend just leaving her alone and letting her do her thing. When she is being forced off the nest, it is stressing her out. Broody hens will get off the nest on their own when they need to, they don't need help. It is instinctual, they know what to do. By continuing to force her off the nest, you may end up breaking her broodiness and either losing any developing chicks, or have to attempt to save the eggs by incubating them inside.

Good info from NysiaAnera. I set over 150 broody hens in just 3 years, with 72 of those the last year----NEVER have I---now would I removed a hen from her nest. They know what they are doing----I just leave them alone(yes ALL are moved to private hatching pens) and I have all great hatches and great brooding and no fighting because she is alone with her chicks. Love them broodies.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I have 2 pullets building clutches - their eggs are about 90-95% full sized. Is this going to affect chick development?

The sisters have made a hidden nest in the paddock and one has laid 9 eggs, the other 6 so far in two nests beside each other -but distinctly separate. They started laying around 6-8 weeks ago and always in the coop. If there is chance the eggs are fertile and the girls set on them, I'd be so happy to get a couple of chicks...the likely father passed a few days ago from injuries.

I agree, the eggs should be fine to set, and set you should if you want them fertile from the rooster that just passed.

A hen stays fertile after breeding for about 10 to 15 days. Sometime, but rarely, she can remain fertile from the rooster up to 30 days.

Eggs are best set within a week of being laid, then hatchability begins to decrease with eggs 14 days old with much less likelihood of hatching.

So if you want chicks from that rooster, let the hens set or put the eggs in the incubator now.

Good luck.
LofMc

 

[sjturner79]

I have 2 pullets building clutches - their eggs are about 90-95% full sized. Is this going to affect chick development?

The sisters have made a hidden nest in the paddock and one has laid 9 eggs, the other 6 so far in two nests beside each other -but distinctly separate. They started laying around 6-8 weeks ago and always in the coop. If there is chance the eggs are fertile and the girls set on them, I'd be so happy to get a couple of chicks...the likely father passed a few days ago from injuries.

Sometimes the chicks from the first few eggs layed are a little smaller as adults, but they are usually still perfectly healthy. The hens will continue to lay fertitlized eggs for at least 21 days after the rooster passes away and can still be laying some fertitlized eggs 35 days later