Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[Lacy Blues]

17 weeks is still very young. I'd give him more time.

 

[bobbieschicks]

At this point I might just give up. Obviously the eggs I got are not fertile, The one broken one I saw had no development. So far the rooster has no interest and I don't know at what age this happens, he is 17 weeks and crows but shows no interest in Red. I don't think the Ranger hens are ready. I don't know where else I could get good fertile eggs. I might try leaving her there with the fake eggs if she will do it and hope the Rangers start up. This has my wife in tears this being what probably will be 3rd no go.

You can often get hatching eggs off Craigslist around here - so maybe around your area too? Or contact a local farmer and explain your predicament and see if they'll take pity and sell you just a few eggs. I can imagine how disappointing it would be to have three strikes and nothing to show for it.

My LF and Silky cockerels were mating by that age and I have a couple of chicks that were mixes from them.

 

[Haloclimb]

Two eggs hatched! And super quick two, both were out in an afternoon!
I'll take some pictures in the morning, but for now I think I'll let the mum have some peace and quiet xD

 

[Miss Lydia]

Two eggs hatched! And super quick two, both were out in an afternoon!
I'll take some pictures in the morning, but for now I think I'll let the mum have some peace and quiet xD

Congrats!!!

 

[3 NH reds]

I think unless we find someone in Mass we could trust we will wait. Ironic that the guy we got 12 bum eggs from is selling chicks on Craig's list. Thanks for the support. Could be a sign to stay here at home and wait longer.

 

[Johnn]

Has anyone ever had a hen that is three years old or more that has gone broody for the first time??

 

[crissycriss]

I have a millie flure D'Uccle thats sitting on 3 mallard eggs. I put them under her the night of the 16 if i candle them tonight will i beable to tell if the eggs are developing? Thank you!

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Has anyone ever had a hen that is three years old or more that has gone broody for the first time??

Not more than 3, but 2 and a half.
What breed is yours?

 

[Johnn]

Not more than 3, but 2 and a half.
What breed is yours?

I don't have one at the minute but i did have a ex batt go broody at 4 years...

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a millie flure D'Uccle thats sitting on 3 mallard eggs. I put them under her the night of the 16 if i candle them tonight will i beable to tell if the eggs are developing? Thank you!

maybe but probably more so on day 7