Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[bobbieschicks]

Here's Smokey from this morning - I can't see any of the eggs sticking out - but I didn't move her to look at them either.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

I know this may sound like a "dumb" question to most of you, but I'm new to chicken raising.

What is a bantam?

And can I get suggestions on the best place to order eggs? (I live in NE Iowa) I want a few silkies and a few brahmas for sitting. I'm not sure how well my orp's will do this year, they're kind of off and on about being broody. Will try to get them to set around March 17th, but would love to add the silkies and brahmas under them for next year's sitting.

Thanks!

There are NO dumb questions!! Ask away! (Your first question about bantams has been answered.)

Your second question is a bit trickier. You can get "production" birds from a commercial hatchery. Unless it is close by, you usually have to order a "few" before they will ship. You can also check breed organization web pages and look at their classifieds. Especially with Silkies, you will find everything under the sun - show quality, pet quality and 57 zillion possible colour combinations. Vaulted skulls, bearded -- a little research on your part ahead of time will go a LONG way. Be careful with Ebay and Craigslist. As in ALL things, buyer beware. Just because somebody says it is such and such doesn't mean that it is. Do your homework before you click to buy. Be suspect of what you find even on Google. Anybody can claim to be anything on the internet. Poultry shows and local clubs are another great place to gather information.

BYC is a GREAT place to learn - and keep asking questions!!!!!!

 

[stonykill]

Someone is going to have to advise you on what is the best way right after hatch or after they dry since i have never done this... HELP!!

to Bobbieschicks. Wait until they are dried off. I've done this quite a few times

 

[Miss Lydia]

to Bobbieschicks. Wait until they are dried off. I've done this quite a few times

Thank you!

 

[bobbieschicks]

to Bobbieschicks. Wait until they are dried off. I've done this quite a few times

Excellent - thanks! I'm getting very excited for Smokey.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Excellent - thanks! I'm getting very excited for Smokey.

So can't wait to see chicks... and listen to her real close the day before hatch day and you may be able to hear the chicks inside the egg if you haven't ever done that before. it is so cool.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Quote:


That would be cool. I love listening to the chirps in the incubator. Although with the fan its harder to hear them.

 

[michaelinnc84]

My broody brahma jumped over my half door where she was on eggs to my other room and then couldn't get back and the eggs got cold. Almost all of them were developing too. I think I am going to let her try again. How many eggs should I put under her?

 

[Nimby Chickens]

My broody brahma jumped over my half door where she was on eggs to my other room and then couldn't get back and the eggs got cold. Almost all of them were developing too. I think I am going to let her try again. How many eggs should I put under her?

The eggs might still be fine. I'd let her sit on them some more.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

My wonderful Red Star hen is showing signs of going broody again!!!!!

I don't want to get too excited yet but yesterday I noticed her doing the flowering cabbage dance around the yard and today she is TOTALLY giving me the flat as a pancake "bugger off lady" stink-eye from the nest box. She is the most WONDERFUL broody mama. Could I be so lucky ....

Stay tuned ....