Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[vmdanielsen]

Let us know how it goes...

okiedokie!!!!!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Time frame for broody and adopting new chicks? I just started reading this and don,t think I have time ti get through the whole thread. I just was given 4 chicks, they can't be more than 2 days old-mama was killed by predator- first peeps today by my third and last broody hen started today. I was planning to move her nest box and all to a secure pen within the coop tomorrow, but I am seriously considering slipping these chicks under her too. My other broodies hatched within days of each other, and i think they actually swapped a chick or two s the count kept changing! Question is, can I do this now, or wait till the hatch is complete, I'm afraid if i wait and she leaves the nest it will be too late. Any ideas?

 

[effie]

I would slip them right in...

I bet she will take them......

 

[bobbieschicks]

Time frame for broody and adopting new chicks? I just started reading this and don,t think I have time ti get through the whole thread. I just was given 4 chicks, they can't be more than 2 days old-mama was killed by predator- first peeps today by my third and last broody hen started today. I was planning to move her nest box and all to a secure pen within the coop tomorrow, but I am seriously considering slipping these chicks under her too. My other broodies hatched within days of each other, and i think they actually swapped a chick or two s the count kept changing! Question is, can I do this now, or wait till the hatch is complete, I'm afraid if i wait and she leaves the nest it will be too late. Any ideas?

I suppose it will be fine to slip them under now as sometimes a hatch can take several days. Just keep an eye on her that she doesn't abandon the hatching eggs for the new chicks. Congrats on your new fuzzy butts!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Time frame for broody and adopting new chicks? I just started reading this and don,t think I have time ti get through the whole thread. I just was given 4 chicks, they can't be more than 2 days old-mama was killed by predator- first peeps today by my third and last broody hen started today. I was planning to move her nest box and all to a secure pen within the coop tomorrow, but I am seriously considering slipping these chicks under her too. My other broodies hatched within days of each other, and i think they actually swapped a chick or two s the count kept changing! Question is, can I do this now, or wait till the hatch is complete, I'm afraid if i wait and she leaves the nest it will be too late. Any ideas?

If they are already 2 days old your window of opportunity is closing for the chicks to bond with her so sooner than later.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I will try to transfer them today..I will wear long sleeves. Yes, I am worried that they are getting old, but they were a little weak and wanted to feed em up good with egg before subjecting them to more. ( one did die but was too cold and barely alive when i got him) now they are good to go and have had a mama if only for a brief time. I hope this works, they will be alot better off. It will be tricky though, the other hens have given her way to many eggs, I tried to remove them, but,not all, and moving her didn't work earlier on. She's pretty wild so it was best to leave her alone. I didn't think I'd have three hens go broody so early!!! All the best spots are taken..

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Ok, so that went well, distracted her with one hand and tucked em in from the back with the other. She growled at me but coos to them and gathered them to her. One of hers came out along with the newbie and showed him how to get back in...glad it's cool this am so they'll stay hid for awhile. While I was at it I decided to move her to the broody pen...I will give them some hard cooked egg in awhile (I really don't want them to break open one of those extra eggs) I'm sure she is starving too.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Than for the replies, it helped to go ahead with it, I'm sure those chicks will be much better off now.

 

[aaggjg]

I had 4 Marans hatch overnight!! In my bator .... Still waiting on others. I've heard of people putting pipped eggs under their broody..... What do you guys think of that idea?? Or should I just put chicks under her?? She's going to be so happy I can't wait!!!

 

[Tripp16]

Day 17!!

Getting closer! Tomorrow is lockdown for the bator eggs and well Henrietta can just do her thing!

Glad to hear all the good news coming with the broodies! I love seeing all those little chicks with their mommas.