Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[NellaBean]

Came home to this.

There are actually two.

She still has a bunch of eggs under her but they will be a bit staggered. If she gives up the nest, I will move them under a different hen for the last day or two.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Congratulations NellaBean, they are so cute!!!!

 

[foxinachickenhouse]

adorable. more chicks! more chicks!

 

[hokankai]

IMPORTANT QUESTION:

I just added two day old chicks under my broody who's baby hatched today. When will I be certain she hasn't rejected them? One of them ran away from her at first and she pecked at it with her mouth open but when I shoved it under her and then she was fine. She also pecked at her own chick when it wandered out behind her. How do I know what is "okay" pecking and what is aggressive pecking? Also should I just take the babies out and stick them in the brooder until tonight? It's 7pm now and she hasn't killed them yet...but it's only been around an hour since they were put under her. Oh, and she was also panting on the nest and closing her eyes like she was uncomfortable, but she has water nearby...is she gonna be alright?

Here are pics of mama and baby before the other two were added. She's a cutie

 

[laughingull]

Ok- day 24 and nothing has hatched so... Went to the feed store and got these three cuties...

Hope mama likes em when she finds em under her as she wakes up in the am ( I plan to keep them inside for the night then put them under her in the early early am- that way I can keep an eye on her and them) She better take good care...I am already attached.

 

[Fuffy]

Quote:
So CUTE!!!!
Wait and see would be my advice.

Could you take a little water and hold it for her to drink...maybe even dip her beak in it. Just so she doesn't have to get up?

 

[Fuffy]

Quote:
They're adorable!

Good luck!!!!

 

[Fuffy]

I moved Hermione last night into her nursery, with a quick stop at the beautician's for a dusting

She is quite happily sitting on her falsies and waiting for some real eggs

Broody setup by FuffyKing, on Flickr

 

[Fuffy]

Quote:
Hi Jeeves
I live in Apperly Bridge and just about to start out with some chickens. I would love to get to know someone local for help / advice?
Gary

Hey There!

Nice to see a few of us here

 

[Jeevesrules]

Hey Gary,

I acctually live on otley!!
I'd be very happy to try and answer any questions you have, so feel free to ask!