Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[BarnGoddess01]

OH yeah, I know how to see a pip, but this is my first broody hatch and I'm used to going into lockdown with the incubator and not touching anything so the humidity is ok. so I didn't know if the broody is ok to be off the nest to look for pips.

Depends on the broody. Some let you see, some don't. I didn't get to see OR hear a thing until there was a tiny head looking out at me. I am a FIRM believer in don't disturb broody mama.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

First broody hen also, actually first time attempting hatch at all. Question: Is it normal for the broody hen to loose feathers on the underbelly while sitting on the egg?

Yes, absolutely. The eggs make contact with her skin. I believe that's how mama controls temp and humidity.

Good luck!!!!

 

[pixie546]

First broody hen also, actually first time attempting hatch at all. Question: Is it normal for the broody hen to loose feathers on the underbelly while sitting on the egg?

Yep! That's so she can get good skin to egg contact and keep up the heat and humidity! No worries!

 

[pixie546]

OH yeah, I know how to see a pip, but this is my first broody hatch and I'm used to going into lockdown with the incubator and not touching anything so the humidity is ok. so I didn't know if the broody is ok to be off the nest to look for pips.

Yeah, I know you're not supposed to touch 'em, but I just had to look! I sort of just pushed her front up and looked that way, she pecked me but I saw my pip!! She sure didn't leave the nest those last couple of days, so i brought her food and water. She ate out of my hand!

 

[silkie4]

I guess if I would have done some thinking I maybe could have figured that out. Thanks...

 

[silkie4]

Yes, absolutely. The eggs make contact with her skin. I believe that's how mama controls temp and humidity.

Good luck!!!!

I guess if I would have actually done some thinking I should have been able to figure this out... My DD keeps worrying that she is getting sick and I keep reassuring her that she is fine, she is eating/drinking without a problem and that she just needs to be left alone to do her "work"......... Thanks for your reply.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

I guess if I would have actually done some thinking I should have been able to figure this out... My DD keeps worrying that she is getting sick and I keep reassuring her that she is fine, she is eating/drinking without a problem and that she just needs to be left alone to do her "work"......... Thanks for your reply.

Better prepare the DH - some broodies can look pretty rough by the time the babies arrive. They really CAN sacrifice alot for the cause. But --- they come back quickly!! And in my experience, even better than before.

 

[silkie4]

Better prepare the DH - some broodies can look pretty rough by the time the babies arrive. They really CAN sacrifice alot for the cause. But --- they come back quickly!! And in my experience, even better than before.

This wait for the chick to hatch is going to drive me insane. I keep going downstairs to look. I'm sure I'm driving the hen nuts too..

I'm not the most patient person and we thought yesterday was day 21. I'm sure we were wrong on the date. Air sac is slanted, no internal pip as of last check.

 

[lswatson111304]

I think I'm going to check on her 1 more time tonight, and leave her alone from now on. LOL I sure don't want to ruin anything!

 

[lswatson111304]

ok, done. Checked her and the eggs quickly and made sure to top off her food and water for the long haul. I'll of course still check on her, but I won't move her or anything. She has been great, she lets me pick her up and I put her at her food and she eats up while I candle the eggs. All eggs still see movement and hopefully in a couple more days I'll have me 5 beautiful silkie babies!