Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Miss Lydia]

Silly birds! Hehe! Maybe it's because she moved out of that box a couple of days ago, and took the eggs with her (rolled them over the little divider, I guess!), then decided to move back.... without the eggs. She seems fine today. Interesting that she waits until the hottest part of the day to come out for a stretch, etc.. then returns when the others are done depositing.

I'm going to fence off her area today or tomorrow I think. Thanks!

Probably be a good idea. that way you don't have to worry about the others making her get off so they can lay their eggs. silly things.

 

[Long Last Farm]

Hi! I now these type of questions may have already been asked and answered, but this thread is so long, I cant find it...anyway, I have 3 broody buff orpingtons--I have given them about 4-6 fertile eggs each to hatch.So far, so good after one week. They are all being very vigilant and good broodies. My questions: Can I keep the broody hens together after the eggs hatch? Will they all get along? Should I separate them from the non broody chickens? Also, all the hens are in nest boxes about 3-4 feet from the ground. Should I move them before the eggs hatch? I don't want the chicks to fall out of the nest boxes. Should I try boxes right on the ground? Thanks for any replies...... Pat

 

[bobbieschicks]

Hi! I now these type of questions may have already been asked and answered, but this thread is so long, I cant find it...anyway, I have 3 broody buff orpingtons--I have given them about 4-6 fertile eggs each to hatch.So far, so good after one week. They are all being very vigilant and good broodies. My questions: Can I keep the broody hens together after the eggs hatch? Will they all get along? Should I separate them from the non broody chickens? Also, all the hens are in nest boxes about 3-4 feet from the ground. Should I move them before the eggs hatch? I don't want the chicks to fall out of the nest boxes. Should I try boxes right on the ground? Thanks for any replies...... Pat

I had only one chicken go broody, so hopefully others will pipe in. But from reading other posts it seems your scenario isn't unusual. As far as moving them, some do before and some do after. But if it's a long drop you'll definitely want to do something. Separating from the rest of the flock is a choice too. Some do, some don't. I did, but my flock had 3 roosters and only a few pullets. So it was for Smokeys protection, not her eggs.

 

[6chick*start]

Wondering if my post got lost ...

I have 2 silkies brooding on 19 eggs in a separate nursery. They are both in the same dishpan. The eggs are 4 days of all my breeds.
First are due to hatch on Easter.

When/if they hatch do I give them JUST chick starter right away? Will the 2 silkie mom's be okay eating just the chick start for a while?
I'm assuming I don't want medicated feed for that reason?

I will be able to open the nursery and let them out in the run with a screen separating them from the flock. When do I do this?
Thank you!

Pic of the nursery
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...071245_100001011649454_980617_144442160_n.jpg

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi! I now these type of questions may have already been asked and answered, but this thread is so long, I cant find it...anyway, I have 3 broody buff orpingtons--I have given them about 4-6 fertile eggs each to hatch.So far, so good after one week. They are all being very vigilant and good broodies. My questions: Can I keep the broody hens together after the eggs hatch? Will they all get along? Should I separate them from the non broody chickens? Also, all the hens are in nest boxes about 3-4 feet from the ground. Should I move them before the eggs hatch? I don't want the chicks to fall out of the nest boxes. Should I try boxes right on the ground? Thanks for any replies...... Pat

The only problem i had keeping my broodies together after their chicks hatched was when they all wanted to take their chicks out at the same time, things got a little hectic, but after a couple of days they worked it out. As I'm sure yours will too. I think as far as the rest of the flock they should be fine, not many of the flock members will want to mess with a mama hen and chicks. lol If you move them before hatch they most likely will be upset so you'll have to be able to close them up for a few days till they get use to their new nesting box. or they may go back to their original nest minus their eggs. If you decide to move after hatch do it as soon as hatch is over or as soon as chicks start hatching, because like bobbieschicks said new hatched chicks can fall out of nest and can't get back in don't stand much of a chance of surviving. So with all that said do what you have to to get them safe then sit back and watch because mama will take care of the rest. Please post back and let us know how it goes and of course pics...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Wondering if my post got lost ...

I have 2 silkies brooding on 19 eggs in a separate nursery. They are both in the same dishpan. The eggs are 4 days of all my breeds.
First are due to hatch on Easter.

When/if they hatch do I give them JUST chick starter right away? Will the 2 silkie mom's be okay eating just the chick start for a while?
I'm assuming I don't want medicated feed for that reason?

I will be able to open the nursery and let them out in the run with a screen separating them from the flock. When do I do this?
Thank you!

Pic of the nursery
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...071245_100001011649454_980617_144442160_n.jpg

Yes chick starter is fine and mamas can eat it too,and since they are with mamas you don't have to feed medicated feed. they will get a healthy start being on the ground. most mamas want to bring their chicks out around day 3 of hatch. she'll let you know, keep us updated when the big day gets here and lots of pics please. I did answer your post sometime back.

 

[Long Last Farm]

thanks, I will. i still have another 2 weeks. i have had one previous broody, who hatched her own 6, then i snuck another 6 chicks under her as they hatched, and they are doing great! they go outside with the rest of the birds in that particular coop, it is very cool to watch them grow!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Wondering if my post got lost ...

I have 2 silkies brooding on 19 eggs in a separate nursery. They are both in the same dishpan. The eggs are 4 days of all my breeds.
First are due to hatch on Easter.

When/if they hatch do I give them JUST chick starter right away? Will the 2 silkie mom's be okay eating just the chick start for a while?
I'm assuming I don't want medicated feed for that reason?

I will be able to open the nursery and let them out in the run with a screen separating them from the flock. When do I do this?
Thank you!

Pic of the nursery
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...071245_100001011649454_980617_144442160_n.jpg

Hi. Your question and my answer are both on page 801. But a quick answer is feed them chick or grow& start feed. It's okay for momma to eat too. Since she won't start laying again for weeks. Let them out with momma on day 2 or 3 after they all hatch. She will take care of them. She will be ready to get out by then too.

 

[chick123600]

Okay the broody hen I told you guys about a few days ago has taken in one of my 2 month old chicks as her own, this won't effect her laying on eggs any will it? I'm not sure why or how this happened either, the chick hasn't ever had a momma hen to run with.

The chick sleeps in the nest and the momma just lets her. When the momma goes out to eat so does the chick, and the momma protects her from the other chickens.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Okay the broody hen I told you guys about a few days ago has taken in one of my 2 month old chicks as her own, this won't effect her laying on eggs any will it? I'm not sure why or how this happened either, the chick hasn't ever had a momma hen to run with.

The chick sleeps in the nest and the momma just lets her. When the momma goes out to eat so does the chick, and the momma protects her from the other chickens.

This hen is sitting on eggs now? and took in a 2 month old chick. I have never heard of that, but it's sweet. Just goes to show you how docile and sweet broodys are during broodiness. Maybe this chick will be like a big sister to the new chicks. keep us updated. Oh and how long has this been going on and the hen still sitting?