Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[aoxa]

Is it normal for hens to...share chicks?

I hatched six chicks in the incubator (I could have let the hens do it, but these two are newbies), so this morning before the sun came up, I slipped them the new chicks. Each got three. Well, they've been good moms thus far. And seem to be fine with taking care off the other hen's chicks. When I checked on them today, sometimes one hen had five chicks under her and the other one, or they each had three, but different combos, etc.

As long as they raise happy, healthy chicks, I am cool with it. I just don't know if it'll cause any problems.

This is my second time with dual custody as I call it. The first couple didn't butt heads at all, but the next two didn't know one another before sharing these babies. I was given a broody silkie from a good friend, and she was sitting for a long time.. I stuck her in the broody coop with my own broody barred rock hen, and they share custody of 21 little RSLs. The silkie sometimes flogs the BR, but they've gotten better. They don't run eachother off like they would another random chicken who peaks interest in their chicks.

It's been 3 weeks. The chicks seem to prefer the barred rock. I think she is the 'cool' parent

 

[Johnn]

Is it normal for hens to...share chicks?

I hatched six chicks in the incubator (I could have let the hens do it, but these two are newbies), so this morning before the sun came up, I slipped them the new chicks. Each got three. Well, they've been good moms thus far. And seem to be fine with taking care off the other hen's chicks. When I checked on them today, sometimes one hen had five chicks under her and the other one, or they each had three, but different combos, etc.

As long as they raise happy, healthy chicks, I am cool with it. I just don't know if it'll cause any problems.

My two hens raised chicks together this year. Both chicks were rightfully the orpingtons but i give Melow a egg when it was hatching, I kind of thaught Melow was a bad mother because i took the chick out the next to see it and she got out to, so i put the chick back in the nest alone and Melow got into a different nest box on eggs that were layed that day -__-, but after that she got put in a broody shed with the orp and they brung the chicks up together accepting eachothers, and then a couple of weeks ago Melow has left the orpington with both chicks and she comes and goes when she pleases...

 

[Johnn]

My two hens raised chicks together this year. Both chicks were rightfully the orpingtons but i give Melow a egg when it was hatching, I kind of thaught Melow was a bad mother because i took the chick out the next to see it and she got out to, so i put the chick back in the nest alone and Melow got into a different nest box on eggs that were layed that day -__-, but after that she got put in a broody shed with the orp and they brung the chicks up together accepting eachothers, and then a couple of weeks ago Melow has left the orpington with both chicks and she comes and goes when she pleases...

sorry i have to do this pic again it's not working!

 

[Johnn]

Dual purpose means for both eggs and meat.

oh!, im thick. Bobbiechicks, i want some for like egg laying and broody...

 

[aoxa]

oh!, im thick. Bobbiechicks, i want some for like egg laying and broody...

Cochins are great mothers. Mine lay really well, but there are lines that don't. I find them just as broody as Orps.

Silkies have been my #1 broody. I have never had a Sumatra, so I am sure Stonykill will suggest them. Obviously they have had good luck with broody hens in that breed.

I've also heard that game hens were really broody.

 

[Johnn]

Cochins are great mothers. Mine lay really well, but there are lines that don't. I find them just as broody as Orps.
Silkies have been my #1 broody. I have never had a Sumatra, so I am sure Stonykill will suggest them. Obviously they have had good luck with broody hens in that breed.
I've also heard that game hens were really broody.

I forgot about game hens i quite like them...

 

[bobbieschicks]

oh!, im thick. Bobbiechicks, i want some for like egg laying and broody...

Hey you are not stupid or thick - I didn't know either of those terms a year ago so give yourself a break

Yes DP is good for layers and meat - that way I don't have to worry about buying both and can enjoy the pullets a long time and the roosters will taste good at a young age.

As far as broodies - I have my silkie & EE to do the hatching for me. I would keep those two and maybe one more broody - since they appear to LOVE being mommas.

 

[bobbieschicks]

I am excited to report I THINK I heard faint pecking on the blue egg under Topsy! She had a huge poop and I was cleaning it out when she moved off the egg. I briefly and gently picked it up to see the weight and listen - that's when I heard it!
So MAYBE she'll hatch one chick! YEAH!

 

[bobbieschicks]

YEAH!

I saw a pip on the orpington egg - she moved again and the egg was sticking out a bit and the pip was on the date I wrote. So maybe the blue egg and the orp egg will hatch today.

Oh please!

I don't want to have to go buy more chicks - I doubt the other ones will hatch - but maybe. Topsy is trying her best.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Games are good broodies, Sumatra are game birds...win win