Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Niss]

Thanks guys! The 4th and final is peeping internally (did I say that right?). So cool! Except the rest of the family isnt so hyped up...so glad I have by byc buddies

 

[the1honeycomb]

VEry Exciting News!!!

I came home and found one of my unknown breeds Brooding!!! she has always cowered from me but tonite she wouldn't move and she bit me!!!
HAHA and I thought the baby time was over!!

 

[the1honeycomb]

Hooray!! isn't it a wonderful feeling!!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

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They are adorable

CONGRATS!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

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We always get excited about Chicks

 

[Jloeffler]

It IS the coolest thing ever! I said the same thing watching my first hatch this summer! So

I love the pics of all the different egg a in the nest with a couple babies. Very cute! You should submit that one for the calendar!

 

[slurrywidow]

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So happy and excited for you!! Now you know what the next chant will be right?.....PICS PICS PICS!

Keep your

for me. 4 days or so left.

 

[slurrywidow]

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Congrats on your broody! It is exciting and wonderful. I have a first time broody (for her and me) and it's been so fun! Keep us posted.

 

[Fuffy]

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every hen is different. I know my Sumatra's can handle 12 babies. I'm sure someone with Silkies will chime in soon.

12-18 eggs of same size laid by the broody is about it. I have a medium size egg hen (Dominique) on 18 eggs and many of them are larger eggs from Minorca and redcap. She is keeping them all warm, but you can see a couple at the edges. I plan to candle soon and will sadly be reducing some, I'm sure.

I also thought about the idea of buying some day olds to arrive 21 days after the hatching eggs were laid under the broodey. I decided to pass on that, but it could make sense. This is especially true if you are ready to brood them yourself if she didn't do so.

My silkie cross did 12 eggs perfectly.

I don't think I'd like to put any more under her...Must be awfully uncomfortable to be a pancake for 3 weeks!

Also she is quite experienced now. Her first brood I only gave ehr 10 eggs. And she was fine, of course!

 

[Fuffy]

You know what?

Every time I log on, there are more chicks. And I feel almost related to them all...like a proud broody mamma.

I've heard all about all the trials and tribulations of the laying and the sitting...and the babies are here now and all is well

HOW COOL IS THIS THREAD?!

CONGRATULATIONS to all you new moms out there in cyber land