Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Abriana]

Here's a ?
Do broodies ever assist hatch?
I've never had a chick get shrink wrapped, so I was wondering about it.

no they don't assist hatch. I guess they know that if a chick cannot overcome this first hardship in life, it will be weak and unable to overcome hardships later in life.

 

[ZachyWachy]

l have hatched my first chick(under a broody or otherwise) last week on Monday! The little bugger was two weeks late! So weird! l had finally given up and picked up the hen to get to the eggs, when l heard the little guy, when l pulled him(or her, preferably) out, he was still completely wet! So now my buff orpington has a black ausralorp(dad) white leghorn mix baby(the rest didn't hatch). l am so excited! Mom is a very loving, caring, protective mother. l name the chick alpha, because in the book of revelations Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega(the first and the last) this is the first chick hatched, so alpha it is.
l have another broody hen(black ausrtalorp) sitting on 3 eggs for 6 days now. Can't wait!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Here's a ?
Do broodies ever assist hatch?
I've never had a chick get shrink wrapped, so I was wondering about it.

I'm not aware of the hen ever assisting with shell removal, however she clucks encouragement to the little ones.

LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

l have hatched my first chick(under a broody or otherwise) last week on Monday! The little bugger was two weeks late! So weird! l had finally given up and picked up the hen to get to the eggs, when l heard the little guy, when l pulled him(or her, preferably) out, he was still completely wet! So now my buff orpington has a black ausralorp(dad) white leghorn mix baby(the rest didn't hatch). l am so excited! Mom is a very loving, caring, protective mother. l name the chick alpha, because in the book of revelations Jesus calls himself Alpha and Omega(the first and the last) this is the first chick hatched, so alpha it is.
l have another broody hen(black ausrtalorp) sitting on 3 eggs for 6 days now. Can't wait!

Congratulations on the hatch. It is truly a miracle to behold. Enjoy.
LofMc

 

[Faraday40]

I'm not aware of the hen ever assisting with shell removal, however she clucks encouragement to the little ones.

LofMc

I've seen mine take a gentle peck at the egg while clucking, so I was wondering if it was an assist or just strong encouragement.

I also never had a pipped broody egg not hatch. (Eggs not hatch yes, but never a pip & then not hatch.) I have seen shrink wrapped chicks in incubators - but never from under a broody. That's why I ask the question. Just wondering if it ever happens or if there simply is no reason for a broody to assist. Any ideas?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I've seen mine take a gentle peck at the egg while clucking, so I was wondering if it was an assist or just strong encouragement.

I also never had a pipped broody egg not hatch. (Eggs not hatch yes, but never a pip & then not hatch.) I have seen shrink wrapped chicks in incubators - but never from under a broody. That's why I ask the question. Just wondering if it ever happens or if there simply is no reason for a broody to assist. Any ideas?

I have had hens drag poorly thriving chicks away from the nest. They desired to give no assistance to the struggling chick other than to rid it away from the nest and healthy chicks.

I have had a few pip and not hatch, all rare breeds that had genetically poor hatch rates, and survival, due to too much in breeding.
I created a shrink wrap once trying to return a rescued chick, after care, to the nest. My meddling with one chick lifted mom off at the wrong time. She frantically threw herself back over the pipping chick which I had just uncovered. I ended up having to assist hatch the second chick from a shrink wrap.
So in my experience they monitor and protect and encourage but when things go wrong they dispose of the weak to protect the strong.
Good question, though. Anyone ever witness a true hen assist?

 

[SumPeach77]

Oh it's Day 21 with my broodies...so far nothing yet. The anticipation is too much!
I have to work tomorrow and I just know my focus will be on my girls instead!

 

[pamperedamber]

We are on day six of my Buff Orpington sitting on eggs. We can't wait for them to hatch!! I am hoping that some of her eggs will hatch they will be olive eggers. As our rooster is a blue ameraucana.

 

[SumPeach77]

We have peeps! Waiting for momma to get up so I can see. Hopefully more will hatch, I was at work and don't know when it began.

 

[SumPeach77]

Baby time!