Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Miss Lydia]

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well thank you! I've already reached this years goal of 60 Sumatra's. I'm currently at 63. So those that hatch will just be a plus!

oops, chicken math was off. Only 53 Sumatra's. Guess I carried a 1

. These 2 or future broody's will bring me to my goal. If for some reason they don't I'll incubate a few more......

well now you have more to look forward too.

 

[Cindilou]

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Have you candelled the eggs? That way you would know if they are duds. We have our first broody hatch(hopefully) in progress. It so amazing to me how diligent this little hen, who is normally running all over the place scrounging whatever food treats she can get, has become. I am fighting the urge to candle her eggs as I am afraid that if I disturb her she might stop sitting on them??

I only candle if the broody is off the nest. Otherwise I NEVER bother the broody. They know how to be chickens better than we know how to be chickens.

I haven't candled. I've looked up how to do it but I'm not sure I have anything bright enough to feel justified. She kicked another out and I cracked it open and buried it in the compost and there was growth, blood vessels etc. I don't necessarily want all the eggs to hatch but since this is our first time I just put all the eggs under her that I received and figured there would be losses along the way and some that just don't make it. She is a rather small EE but is really serious every time I look in on her. I'm trying to figure out if I want to move her out of the run at some point or just leave her to be the defender of the babies as from what I've read many hens just protect the babies for a number of weeks and they are fine among the rest. There are only 6 hens total in this housing unit that consists of a 4X4 coop and laying box area about 4 feet off the ground with a 4X16 run, the broody is still in an animal carrier under the coop. The alpha definitely lets everyone know she is boss but squats for us humans.
On day 12! Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Crabella]

Two pips! That's all I checked. I made myself leave...

 

[JulieNKC]

I have 4 out of 11 pips so far. One zipping. Trying to keep myself out of the coop. Day 20 for me!

 

[Fuffy]

Congratulations to you all on your beautiful new babies!!!!!

And Miss Lydia!!!! That little duckling is precious!!!!!!

Hermione's eggs are due on Wednesday.

I haven't candled again, so she still has 7 good ones and 2 probably nots, as far as I know.

PLEASE think strong and hatchy thoughts for us on Wednesday

 

[Miss Lydia]

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Strong AND hatchy thoughts starting now Fuffy!!!

thanks about the duckling, she has taken over our hearts. {now if I can get the dogs to quit licking their lips everytime they see her}

 

[Miss Lydia]

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Congrats Julie looking forward to pics...

 

[Miss Lydia]

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I only candle if the broody is off the nest. Otherwise I NEVER bother the broody. They know how to be chickens better than we know how to be chickens.

I haven't candled. I've looked up how to do it but I'm not sure I have anything bright enough to feel justified. She kicked another out and I cracked it open and buried it in the compost and there was growth, blood vessels etc. I don't necessarily want all the eggs to hatch but since this is our first time I just put all the eggs under her that I received and figured there would be losses along the way and some that just don't make it. She is a rather small EE but is really serious every time I look in on her. I'm trying to figure out if I want to move her out of the run at some point or just leave her to be the defender of the babies as from what I've read many hens just protect the babies for a number of weeks and they are fine among the rest. There are only 6 hens total in this housing unit that consists of a 4X4 coop and laying box area about 4 feet off the ground with a 4X16 run, the broody is still in an animal carrier under the coop. The alpha definitely lets everyone know she is boss but squats for us humans.
On day 12! Any advice is appreciated!

She should be fine with the rest, they seem to respect mama and her babies.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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Congrats on the pips, i know it's so hard to wait and not be looking all the time. Good for you for showing restraint.

 

[Crabella]

Not sure how good I am at restraint.... I've been out to the coop every half hour, but (grit my teeth) limited myself to peeking through the door at the broodies. I can hear peeping and momma is making soft little clucky sounds of encouragement.