Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[stonykill]

Quote:
yes she does. I have seen this one since 7am yesterday morning. The 1st born, especially if they are born early, always seem to be trouble for mom.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well I guess that goes for humans too, I am a first born and was trouble from birth on.

except too old to get into trouble now.

 

[featherz]

Anyone think it's worth giving a hen chicks after two weeks of being broody? I have chicks hatching next week in an incubator and my second broody isn't giving up. She's been sitting on nothing for a week and her belly is all bare. Is it worth sticking chicks under her a week early as long as I keep an eye on them to see what happens? I know they 'know' the proper time but I'd rather have a broody raise the chicks if I can.

 

[gameboygal12]

I have a broody OEGB right now that snuck off and sat on some eggs underneath the coop where I can't reach her!

I have no way to even check on the eggs. I guess I'll know she's doing a good job if I see a random chick running around the coop!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Congrats gameboygal12!!!! looking forward to hearing about and seeing those random chicks!!!!

 

[hokankai]

I have a question, I'm going to be adding some chicks to my broody after hers hatch. The chicks will be about 2 days older than hers. What if she doesn't take them to eat while her chicks are still on their yolk? Should I wait until her babies are eating food to put the older babies in?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
I am not sure about that featherz but since she'll be 2 weeks into her sit and since she doesn't have a calendar right in front of her she might take to them with out a problem, you might want to stick an egg or fake egg under her though just to make sure she stays. Till your ready.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
It might be okay if you can get the food and water close enough so that she can show the older chicks where it is without gettin up off of the younger ones.

 

[lottyloo]

Two of mine have hatched so far

will take pics later to share with you all!!

 

[Miss Lydia]