Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Johnn]

Can you mark eggs with pencil?

 

[sgtmom52]

Can you mark eggs with pencil?

I mark mine with a Sharpie marker ~ I find that the pencil marks tend to rub off.

 

[Johnn]

Ok, if i do use pencil it wont affect fertility will it?

 

[stonykill]

Ok, if i do use pencil it wont affect fertility will it?

you can use pencil and it won't effect fertility. BUT after a few days of your broody rolling the eggs the pencil will wear off. That is why I use marker. The eggs seem uneffected by the marker, and I can always clearly see the marks. Not so with pencil

 

[sgtmom52]

you can use pencil and it won't effect fertility. BUT after a few days of your broody rolling the eggs the pencil will wear off. That is why I use marker. The eggs seem uneffected by the marker, and I can always clearly see the marks. Not so with pencil

 

[Johnn]

could i use a white board marker? or would that be toxic?

 

[stonykill]

could i use a white board marker? or would that be toxic?

I don't know. I just use a sharpie and have great hatches

 

[Johnn]

Ok thanks

 

[Johnn]

sorry for asking loads of questions i just really want this to go right this time, In my broody shed i have a water bowl and a food bowl then theres her nest is that all i need? and then when the chicks hatch i will put a chick water and a chick feeder in there.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Got the Blue Copper Marans broody mama, Naima, settled on 2 Blue Copper eggs (her own) and 7 Black Copper Marans eggs. Already I've had to move her into restricted quarters. 2 eggs had been added to the sacrifice clutch (thus, I know she is prepared to sit on a bunch!) and one got broken today in a scuffle between two other hens whilst Naima was off getting a drink.

Anyway, she seems quite content with her move into private quarters - and the new eggs. She has food and water available but I will also make a point of letting her out daily. This broody does leave the nest everyday, unlike my broody last year. Another funny thing - she loves raisins and is still happy to take them from me as long as I feed them to her one at a time. A whole handful for her to pick from, nope, but individually, keep them coming!

I've missed the broody clucking. Not so much the broody poops ....