Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Tripp16]

I wouldn't overwhelm her with eggs, especially if she's a first timer. 3 or 4 is probably perfect especially if they are big eggs. Good luck!!!

She is a first timer. Im thinking four eggs but it depends on the size. I want her to be succesful because I know she will be a great mother.

 

[Miss Lydia]

We were gone most of today and when i went to check on my lil broody she had 1 extra egg under her so I lifted her up and took it I am only going to let her have 3 eggs since it's her first time to be broody. Tomorrow I am going to move her to our small coop and keep her closed up for a few days to make sure she stays on the eggs, I took her out to the feed bowl and she was gobbling it up. Then the other girls started being mean to her, course she looked just like BG said hers did like a flowering cabbage all puffed out and grumpy. lol But they are so cute.

 

[Tripp16]

My Broody keeps getting off but then jumping back on. Its her first time and her first day. So will she get better? She isnt getting off all fluffed up but she wont let anybody take those eggs! Oh and she is sleeping in the nest tonight so hopefully she`ll lock down!

 

[lcw1995]

yeah shell get better.
its all new to her what shes goin through
give her a few more days shell settle down lol

 

[Fuffy]

Anna Karenina was all pancaked out in the box just now

I can't tell you how much I hope she is going broody...she's usually skittish and she seemed kinda dazed, let me move her around--she had 4 under her. We'll see. If she does I will be buying day olds (I really want Speckled Sussex and Black Austrolorps)...how many could I give her? She's a silkie almost a year old, never been broody before (may not be now, but a girl can dream)

My Hermione (Silkie cross) does a dozen large fowl eggs quite comfortably

. I just get rid of any duds as soon as I'm sure to make it easier for her.

But I would give fewer to a first timer...maybe no more than 6.

It is AMAZING how instinct takes over, and she turns into a momma and knows exactly what to do!

Good luck!

 

[Fuffy]

My Broody keeps getting off but then jumping back on. Its her first time and her first day. So will she get better? She isnt getting off all fluffed up but she wont let anybody take those eggs! Oh and she is sleeping in the nest tonight so hopefully she`ll lock down!

Could you separate her from the rest of the flock? She will be more likely to settle if she doesn't feel threatened by the others.

Good luck!

 

[countrygirl5]

I was wondering what is the best way to move a broody hen to a new location? I think I will move them to my greenhouse. I am going to have them sit on their own "mutt" eggs, cause they're chicks will just be for eating, so do I take the eggs out and move them to the nest first, and then move the hens, or do I move them all at the same time?

Just a worried to-be "grandma"

.

 

[artsyrobin]

ok, whether lacy likes it or not, i have moved her to the spare bathroom with her eggs- which i need to candle, since some of the other hens were contributing- will keep ya posted... i turned the light off hoping that will help

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am moving my lil broody today, what i do is pick up mama [they are so docile at this point] then I pick up as much bedding as I can and set the eggs in the bedding. I use what ever I have on hand box. basket. then I put mama down on top cover with a towel or box top, and move. It goes very easy and then I keep her closed up for a few days till she has gotten use to the new nesting site.

I was wondering what is the best way to move a broody hen to a new location? I think I will move them to my greenhouse. I am going to have them sit on their own "mutt" eggs, cause they're chicks will just be for eating, so do I take the eggs out and move them to the nest first, and then move the hens, or do I move them all at the same time?

Just a worried to-be "grandma"

.

 

[Miss Lydia]

ok, whether lacy likes it or not, i have moved her to the spare bathroom with her eggs- which i need to candle, since some of the other hens were contributing- will keep ya posted... i turned the light off hoping that will help