Our FIRST Broody and potential Chicks

[chicksnpoodles]

We have our first Hen that has gone broody and she is sitting on fake eggs right now until the fertilized ones arrive from our friend on Saturday.
Nature is fascinating as she sits there almost trance like with those eggs. I know its natural but I am a little worried about her. I have heard it's natural for them to lose a bit of weight during the incubation period.

I would appreciate any and all suggestions for her care and anything else during this time since its our first!

 

[SIMZ]

It's an amazing thing to watch!

If I could give you any advice, it would be to just relax and know that the hen knows how to take care of herself. With my first couple broodies, I was always trying to make the hen eat and drink and get off the eggs. lol

My broody hens always appreciate treats left out for them - scratch grains, tomatoes, scrambled eggs, etc. Give them plenty of room to get away from the nest and dust bathe and scratch around. Also, make sure she has nice, fresh water available and grit. Other than that, you can just watch from a distance, and know that she'll be just fine.

Have fun and keep us posted!

 

[chicksnpoodles]

I have the food, water, and maybe a 3x3 area for her to move around in, but I forgot dust bathing!.
A small project for tomorrow

Thanks

 

[chicksnpoodles]

We have her all set up in her own area and so far so good. We candled the eggs for the first time tonight and only one hadn't 'taken' the rest looked to be developing normally.

I'd like to not have her in that area after the chicks are born...how are they best integrated?
Do we move her the day they hatch, a week later, 4 days before hatch....

How have you done this in the past?