Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[PartridgeRooster]

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As soon as I am sure my girl is really sitting, I move her to private quarters (a cage) with a door (within the coop), so that she doesn't have to defend the nest and the eggs are not disturbed, and so that eggs are not added to the clutch. If I had two broodies, I'd be doing the same thing for both.

X2!

Miss Lydia everytime I see your duck picture it reminds me that my Mallard ducklings are nearly full grown...

. Why can't they stay little babies, they are much more cute this way. I built a couple of nice nest boxes for them in coming seasons over the shallows in my main pond. I hope they become mates as there is one boy and one girl and make lots of ducklings.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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X2!

Miss Lydia everytime I see your duck picture it reminds me that my Mallard ducklings are nearly full grown...

. Why can't they stay little babies, they are much more cute this way. I built a couple of nice nest boxes for them in coming seasons over the shallows in my main pond. I hope they become mates as there is one boy and one girl and make lots of ducklings.

I know what you mean my youngin is already 3 months old and so big. Looking for him about 3 females if anyone happens to know someone or have some close to N.C. [western] Hope you get lots of babies next spring. PR.

 

[macdoogle2]

I went to check on my broody named Cloe. This is her first time. Lifted her a little and heard chirping so I left her alone. Just went back and found a crushed egg under her. Chick looked fully formed but egg yolk not fully absorbed. I guess when I disturbed her I caused this to happen. I feel so bad. She has pushed all the bedding away and the eggs are sitting on wood with her on top. I did place everyone on top of thicker bedding. I hope she gets at least 1 chick. Maybe she will if I can just leave her alone. Good thing I'm working tomorrow. Poor little chick.

 

[bobcart]

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Good to hear about more dominiques brooding successfully as I'm on day 5 with one of mine. Not sure how you could sex those chicks but barred birds like doms and plymoth rocks always have the white spot on the head.

 

[bobcart]

I candled a few eggs on day 3 and couldn't see much. With 18 under her, I'd like to remove the bad ones. Not sure she can warm that many. Will try again on day 7.

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

18 days to hatch...
Evidence of eating and drinking, but I never see AliceAnn off the nest.
Seems little broody is finally living the dream!
It is so much fun to wait with friends!!!

 

[BarnGoddess01]

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Sorry to hear about the lost chick.

I too learned the hard way. I kept messing with my first broody - having a look etc., and ended up with the same tragic results. Second time, I completely left the broody alone (except to move her to a safer and secure nest early on) even when I heard peeping come from under her - hands off, I walked away. This time we ended up with absolutely NO broken eggs. Everything that wasn't clear hatched and she eventually let me see the chickies.

 

[babigyrl22]

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looking forward to hearing all about it...

Here she is. It's day 3 and I am still not quite sure how she scooted all 9 eggs underneath her but she's a CHAMP!

Her name is Blueberry.

 

[Miss Lydia]

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looking forward to hearing all about it...

Here she is. It's day 3 and I am still not quite sure how she scooted all 9 eggs underneath her but she's a CHAMP!

Her name is Blueberry.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-.../25dgDXPqRKs/s640/2011-09-10_08-14-28_128.jpg

Blueberry is beautiful. I watched one of my hens move her eggs from one place to another using her chin, it was so cute. She looks very content.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

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Blueberry is GORGEOUS and looks like a lovely nest too!! Good luck with your hatch!