Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

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Congrats on your broody!! And x2 what Miss Lydia said. I am still learning too and currently have a broody on 4 eggs.

Today is day 5 for my eggs. Do you think I should candle or wait til day 7 ??

I candled on Day 6 because mom got off the nest (opportunity presented) ... it was accurate.

whatever day mama is off the nest is the day I candle, after day 6 ish
 
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Isn't it amazing to see all that movement inside the eggs? I candled my 2nd broody's eggs yesterday (day 8)h this time using a mini LED flashlight. I was shocked at what I saw compared to the other light I used last time! DD and I were just ooohing and ahhhing at the little globs moving inside. I am so impressed that you were able to pull refrigerator eggs and it worked! Congrats.
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do people ever give a hen eggs that have been incubated artificially first? I have a hen that has been sitting for a few days but I'm not sure if the two eggs I put under her are fertile.

Just because I'm not sure I would be able to get my hands on fresh fertile eggs quickly.

Would I be better off slipping some chicks under her on hatch day if the eggs end up being infertile?
 
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If you can get some day old chicks and slip them under her at night while she is asleep, and yes people have put eggs out of the bator under a broody. give her a few more days on these eggs then candle. If you see veining and or movement your good to go. Let us know and good luck.
 
Quote:
Isn't it amazing to see all that movement inside the eggs? I candled my 2nd broody's eggs yesterday (day 8)h this time using a mini LED flashlight. I was shocked at what I saw compared to the other light I used last time! DD and I were just ooohing and ahhhing at the little globs moving inside. I am so impressed that you were able to pull refrigerator eggs and it worked! Congrats.
smile.png


Thanks! My kids love it too, but it will be DH who will want to come watch with me when I peek again after Day 10!! I left the one that looked clear under her for now and figure I'll check it again later. She's been so good letting me check her and the eggs that I don't want to upset her more than necessary, but I have noticed that egg seems to spend the most time on the outside edge of the nest so maybe she already suspects.

I think its really cool too that the refridgerated egg(s) are developing! Hopefully it didn't hurt them. I don't really need a two headed chick or one with extra eyeballs...
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I have never tried to hatch eggs before. Since I live within a no-crow zone, what roosters I have had didn't stay long - until recently. I bought a Serama pair who stay in the house for now. They are awaiting a new coop & pen that is slow in getting built. In the meantime, the little rooster has been doing a good job doing his business with the little hen, and she has been laying eggs almost every day. Some of the eggs I've placed in the refrigerator, some I've kept on the counter in the kitchen. I even left a few in her nest to see if she'll sit on them them. No luck there.

In the "getting to know you" pen and coop outside there are three LF birds. Only one has been laying eggs so far but now I think she's broody. She's been sitting on a nest for two days now, and growls and pecks me if I try to reach under her. She got off the nest for a little while yesterday to eat, then went straight back. So I got the idea to place some of the Serama eggs in her nest to see what would happen. She's sitting on them now.

My intent was never to try to hatch any babies, for several reasons. a) I don't have an incubator b) I've never had a broody hen c) If any hatch out to be roosters, they'll have to be rehomed. Nonetheless, here I am with a broody LF hen sitting on bantam eggs. I think it's the neatest thing to have a broody hen and am anxious to see what happens now.

When should I check the eggs to see if they're developing?

Is there anything I can do help ensure that the eggs develop and hatch?

Any advice is welcome.
 
Rachel'sFlock :

Penelope and Primrose: One week old, and already breaking the law...
Commando free-ranging~

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/58241_one_week_old_chooks_005.jpg

Darling, brave little things! Mine are so big and feathered now - I caught one (Spot - the one with the injured foot) "roosting" on the edge of the nesting box at dusk yesterday. Then momma called him/her in and he/she reluctantly obeyed.​
 

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