Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Morganwood]

I have no idea but how cute! I'm just jealous of all the grass in your pic. We just got 6 inches of snow today.

I feel like I am going to be on an episode of Maury. I know who these babies moms are, but I dont know who the daddy is!!

By the feathering on the little black one I think that its dad is the frizzle our farmer friend has. Its adorable. The pics make it hard to see, but its wing feathers are already starting to flip out... adorable.

 

[Atomic Ranch]

Very exciting, hope to see your fuzzy butts soon.

I'M WORRIED!! When I went out to button up everything for the night, she was NOT sitting on them! She was sitting in the egg box next door. Maybe it was that it had grown dark and she didn't know which box to sit in? The two eggs were alive and kicking last night, so I know it wasn't a rejection. There were a couple new ones laid by others as well, so the pile was its usual size.

Not sure how long they weren't warm, but they had cooled to the touch. It's about 70 tonight. Are they goners?

I them back under her. She's sitting on them again now.

This would be day 13/14 I think.


Update: They're still moving around inside.

Do you think this is a fluke, or is she losing interest? I did buy a starter incubator just in case.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I'M WORRIED!! When I went out to button up everything for the night, she was NOT sitting on them! She was sitting in the egg box next door. Maybe it was that it had grown dark and she didn't know which box to sit in? The two eggs were alive and kicking last night, so I know it wasn't a rejection. There were a couple new ones laid by others as well, so the pile was its usual size.

Not sure how long they weren't warm, but they had cooled to the touch. It's about 70 tonight. Are they goners?

I them back under her. She's sitting on them again now.

This would be day 13/14 I think.


Update: They're still moving around inside.

Do you think this is a fluke, or is she losing interest? I did buy a starter incubator just in case.

She probably got confused. It may be best to confine her or she may keep making the same mistake? I know Smokey kept trying to go to the wrong nest area after pooping. I had to redirect her several times. She'd walk around bok bok bok king like she was looking for the eggs.

 

[bobbieschicks]

have to ask bobbieschicks how does your silkie roo like his new job as head roo? is he taking care of business?

He has been happily the lead rooster. There is far less fighting. However I do miss old Foghorn and Francis. He has been with the lavender orps. And most recently I saw him on the lead of that group. However the 3 older ladies have not been attempted yet. I think it will be quite awhile before he tries anything with them.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Update: Mama and babies have moved out to the coop. She didnt take them upstairs where the other ones but has made her a little spot on the bottom floor. I shouldnt worry about it being to cold right? It is going to get down to 47 tonight.

Here a few pictures of mama and her baby:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/image/view/album/5959105/id/5024826/sort/display_order

Adorable! She will regulate their temps for them. They will get under her body and she will keep them plenty warm. Mine were outside in those temps and did just fine. When they get cold they push their way into moms feather coat and stay until warm. Smokey spent the first few weeks on the floor with the babies under her. Then she moved them up to the nest box under her. Last night she had them on the roost under her. They are 5 weeks old.

 

[bobbieschicks]

ok, copy the url, then click on the image button and paste it that way

So cute!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Woo Hoo I figured it out! More pics to come

But should I move them upstairs for the night?

So cute! No don't move them. She will keep them plenty warm. I was worried about temps too since the info all said keep in brooder with temps of 95F and progressively decrease temps over time. Well all that doesn't matter with a broody. She will keep them warm and they will warm her. It's so cool!

 

[bobbieschicks]

I guess my broody hen must be pretty calm. Last year when she was broody, she had a couple of rocks she was trying to hatch, I couldn't get her to give up for anything! I finally went to the feed store and got her 2 chicks, she was so happy, I have never seen a chicken with such an expressive look! This year she went broody again, and it was a week till the chicks I wanted came to the store. I just moved her, with no eggs, to the nest I wanted her to use, and she sat there and waited for a week till I got her chicks! She never pecks my hand, but she sure does peck the other hens if they get over in her side of the house!

Smokey actually mellowed once she became broody. She would let me touch her without drawing blood. However after they hatched and there was a threat to her babies she flipped out. After that she was a force to be reckoned with.

 

[artsyrobin]

first one greeted me this morning, broody has 5 to go- his color surprised me.... and she wasn't happy i snuck him out for a photo...

 

[bobbieschicks]

AAAWWWWHHHH! Too cute!

first one greeted me this morning, broody has 5 to go- his color surprised me.... and she wasn't happy i snuck him out for a photo...