Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[BarnGoddess01]

Rachel'sFlock :

Thank you, BarnGoddess, I think that is an excellent idea, being the Watcher (read:stalker) rather than an intervene-r!
I don't know "squat" about being a broody hen. But AliceAnn seems to be an expert, all of a sudden. I shall leave her to it, and document every gruelingly impatient moment of this journey. Oh, wait, she is at perfect peace. I guess I am the only one suffering impatience at this time!
Thanks again for the wise advice, and hand holding.
...and we've only just begun...

My successful broody is a Red Sex Link???? Who trusts a hatchery sex link hen to raise a brood????

I have seen the light. Leave the ladies be. They really DO seem to know their business MUCH better than we do - even when we mess with them!

Provide them with a reasonable number of fertile eggs and a safe place. They'll take care of the rest. I'm in awe ...

(and, yes, I admit, I AM a chicken stalker ...

)​

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
How many eggs does she have?

I learned the hard way - especially with first time broodies - reduce the number of eggs. Make it possible for her to succeed and make it pleasant for her. I have also learned - disturb them as little as possible.

 

[JHillgrove]

Quote:
How many eggs does she have?

I learned the hard way - especially with first time broodies - reduce the number of eggs. Make it possible for her to succeed and make it pleasant for her. I have also learned - disturb them as little as possible.

She has only 4 eggs now. She had 7 and kept pushing them away from her until only 4 remain.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
How many eggs does she have?

I learned the hard way - especially with first time broodies - reduce the number of eggs. Make it possible for her to succeed and make it pleasant for her. I have also learned - disturb them as little as possible.

She has only 4 eggs now. She had 7 and kept pushing them away from her until only 4 remain.

Are she and eggs in a secure place now? If so, leave her with the 4, even if they are mucky. I wouldn't wash them or her. Hopefully, she'll settle with the 4 remaining. (And don't watch too hard. As a now certified chicken stalker - my broody had eggs poking out from time to time even with only 5. I had to force myself to walk away. I KNOW one of them was white and that egg hatched. Resist the urge to interfere.)

 

[stonykill]

Quote:
She has only 4 eggs now. She had 7 and kept pushing them away from her until only 4 remain.

Are she and eggs in a secure place now? If so, leave her with the 4, even if they are mucky. I wouldn't wash them or her. Hopefully, she'll settle with the 4 remaining. (And don't watch too hard. As a now certified chicken stalker - my broody had eggs poking out from time to time even with only 5. I had to force myself to walk away. I KNOW one of them was white and that egg hatched. Resist the urge to interfere.)

+1

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Are she and eggs in a secure place now? If so, leave her with the 4, even if they are mucky. I wouldn't wash them or her. Hopefully, she'll settle with the 4 remaining. (And don't watch too hard. As a now certified chicken stalker - my broody had eggs poking out from time to time even with only 5. I had to force myself to walk away. I KNOW one of them was white and that egg hatched. Resist the urge to interfere.)

+1

+2

 

[JHillgrove]

Quote:
+1

+2

Yes she is still in the broody box, safe and secure. I will leave them be, thanks for the advise.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
+2

Yes she is still in the broody box, safe and secure. I will leave them be, thanks for the advise.

And she has so much humidity coming from her underneath, she'll probably have everything steam cleaned in a matter of days.

 

[JHillgrove]

I hope so, thanks


Quote:
Yes she is still in the broody box, safe and secure. I will leave them be, thanks for the advise.

And she has so much humidity coming from her underneath, she'll probably have everything steam cleaned in a matter of days.

 

[Fuffy]

Errr.....There seems to be a kazoo in my chickenrun!

He did it twice. Then the grown up cockerel started off, and poor little Willow got very quiet.

So I guess this means his days are numbered

The plan is that he will be there to help his sister integrate into the main flock (Starting on Sunday) and then he will have to go