Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Perris]

thanks Cindy; it may come to that, but I think I'll try temporary confinement first. I didn't actually witness whatever caused Ruthin's demise, so that hen is just a suspect at present. I think I need more evidence before condemning her. This clutch are on the verge of maturity, and their mom is back on the nest incubating a second clutch (and anyway she drove them off at 9 weeks). Another broody hen has been playing surrogate mum for any of them that wanted it, when they wanted it, and they spend some of their time with her and her littles (5 wks old, including cwtching up with them at night), some of their time with the ex-dom rooster, and some of their time with the main flock, and there have been no integration issues at all till now - like with yours, older girls just tap youngsters stepping out of line, and lots of places to run and hide. Ruthin seems to have got trapped beneath a strut of the bench.

 

[Faraday40]

Thanks, that's helpful. I've noticed them wandering farther and farther away from her but they always kept a close line of sight. It seemed very abrupt that suddenly they were on opposite ends of the property.

Each broody has her own comfort level. My "Cookie" is very strict and doesn't let her chicks roam far, while my Sebright "Trouble" has more of a free spirit parenting style. Not only does she let them explore, but she even takes them on field trips under the fence to the neighbors'.

One annoying thing all of my broody hens insist on teaching is "scratch lessons." They really go to town flinging shavings all over the brooder. As soon as I put down a fresh dish of food, they immediately knock it over. They sometimes get so excited & obsessive about scratching, that an unfortunate chick beneath them may get flung to the wall. (Yes this has happened & on multiple occasions!)

 

[Faraday40]

I can't remember if I posted this video earlier. Here's my broody "Darling" back in May when we had a ton of cicadas. Such vicious little fuzz-balls!

She's now raising another batch of chicks. Too bad we're out of cicadas this time.

 

[Perris]

Broody fully inflated

 

[fisherlady]

So anyone who ever watched a broody will appreciate this

 

[aliciaplus3]

This crazy muscovy duck will take my arm off(in her mind anyway) but she seems happy to share a nest with this australorp??? Silly girls

 

[BigTexChick]

I have a mix of fertile eggs from my flock under my broody. Three chicks hatched in the last 4 days. How long do I let her keep the remaining eggs after the first is hatched? They’ve been under her around 21 days, but I don’t know exactly b/c it’s her first time to hatch.

 

[nchls school]

I have a mix of fertile eggs from my flock under my broody. Three chicks hatched in the last 4 days. How long do I let her keep the remaining eggs? They’ve been under her around 21 days, but I don’t know exactly b/c it’s her first time to hatch.

My advice is to candle the eggs to verify they are still viable. If you're unsure in candling possibly you know someone that is good at it. If the eggs were put under the hen at the same time it is likely the hatch is complete, but candling is still a good idea before tossing the eggs. Hatching over 4 days sounds like the eggs were not put under the hen at the same time.

 

[BullChick]

This is why it’s good to have an incubator.
Let her sit as long as she’s willing. Just make sure the chicks have water and food nearby. When she gets up, take the unhatched eggs CAREFULLY, and check them. If one explodes, breathe through your mouth, and shower with your clothes on. Vicks under the nose will keep you from vomiting from the lingering stench.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

I'm terrified to know how you acquired that particular information.