Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

We are almost 2 weeks of broody. Air shack look ok? Sharp air sack in 1 but other is different?

 

[BullChick]

For two weeks, the second looks better, but it could be nothing.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

For two weeks, the second looks better, but it could be nothing.

Thanks. I'm trying not to bother her so I dont want to candle at night. I just happened to catch her eating and clucking about.
Are there some warning signs I should watch for and pursuant actions?

 

[Perris]

Are there some warning signs I should watch for and pursuant actions?

if an egg smells bad, get it out of there!

 

[fisherlady]

Leave an old bath towel in coop, if you see the broody out just toss towel over your head and candle under it. Much better chance of getting a decent look.

 

[CindyinSD]

Thanks. I'm trying not to bother her so I dont want to candle at night. I just happened to catch her eating and clucking about.
Are there some warning signs I should watch for and pursuant actions?

You'll see better if you have the fat end (air cell end) of the egg to the light as in #1. As far as candling in the daylight... I do that sometimes too, but it's really hard for me to see much. I bring food into the shed coop in the evening, where one of my broody hens and a broody turkey hen are sitting. I gently pick broody hen up and put her in front of the dish, then turn my back to the door (mostly closed) and candle the eggs (just every now and then). The dim light is still a nuisance, but it's better than midday.

Even if you don't have a walk-in coop, you can most likely get away with candling at night. Just reach under for an egg, candle, put in straw-lined basket, repeat. Tuck all back under when done. Most important thing: hold on to those eggs. It's easy to get lost in the wonder and loosen your grip. No need to do this more than once a week or less, but if your broody's sweet and tolerant, no harm either.

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

You'll see better if you have the fat end (air cell end) of the egg to the light as in #1. As far as candling in the daylight... I do that sometimes too, but it's really hard for me to see much. I bring food into the shed coop in the evening, where one of my broody hens and a broody turkey hen are sitting. I gently pick broody hen up and put her in front of the dish, then turn my back to the door (mostly closed) and candle the eggs (just every now and then). The dim light is still a nuisance, but it's better than midday.

Even if you don't have a walk-in coop, you can most likely get away with candling at night. Just reach under for an egg, candle, put in straw-lined basket, repeat. Tuck all back under when done. Most important thing: hold on to those eggs. It's easy to get lost in the wonder and loosen your grip. No need to do this more than once a week or less, but if your broody's sweet and tolerant, no harm either.

She is still friendly. Actually more so than she was before. The cutest whine purr sound

 

[CindyinSD]

She is still friendly. Actually more so than she was before. The cutest whine purr sound

A couple of mine make little sweet purrs like that too. Adorable.

 

[Gringa]

Two more broodies hatched yesterday. July has been a busy month for me. And I still have one more broody to go.

 

[BullChick]

Did they co-brood? Those look like the same chicks.