Seeking a little advice....

[Alexandra33]

I'm facing a bit of a dilemma concerning the first little one derived from within my own flock, to put it simply. A bit of background for starters: my hens are notoriously terrible broodies. Let's just say they lack necessary motherly instincts. What else would you call the tendency to eat every chick/duckling close to hatch (shell and all?), as well as inclination to move from nest to nest, abandoning several eggs in need of warmth? Because of this, attempts at creating mixes from my diverse flock have failed miserably in previous years. But after putting blood, sweat, and tears into hatching this year, I've managed to protect a single baby up to day 18 (accomplished by checking several times a day, and moving it as necessary). Praying it pulls through another 3 days!

I'm sure you've got a decent picture in your mind as to why I'm unwilling to let my girls raise this precious munchkin, let alone hatch it. My fear is that they'd devour it as soon as it emerged. Considering we don't own an incubator, does anyone have tips for me? And if I take it as soon as it starts pipping, what would I have to do to make sure it hatches safely? I'm a little lost, to be honest. This is a new experience for me!

Thanks so much!

~Alex

 

[oregonkat]

Is this one egg and broody hen separated from the rest of the hens? Is this broody the one that has previously eaten her endeavors? If she is not separated, separate her now. She might like the seclusion and actually allow the chick to hatch.
Barring that, doing this without an incubator might be a bit of a challenge. You are going to have to figure out a way of keeping that pipping egg nice and warm and humid. Perhaps a warming blanket in a cooler of some kind with a bowl of steaming water??? I dont know. Then you are going to have to find your little chick a friend! I will send for some other folks to give some thoughts:
@WVduckchick,@aart,@azygous,@KikisGirls

 

[oregonkat]

I dont know why the others didn't highlight. I will try again:
@WVduckchick, @aart, @azygous

 

[WVduckchick]

Wow Alex, that’s rough. But there are several makeshift emergency incubator-ish things that can be done. I agree with @oregonkat first, if you can move her and the egg, do that!

If you would rather hatch it yourself, play around with some things you have at home, like a desk or heat lamp, Pyrex dish, Saran Wrap cover over it, poke holes with a toothpick in the wrap for air circulation. Toss in a wet sponge and see how close to 100 degrees and 70% humidity you can get it.

Then There’s always the bra method.

I’d try to leave it with the hen until it pips, or at least the air cell draws down and is almost ready to hatch. The less time you have to keep something constant, the better chance of it surviving.

Good luck!

 

[kwhites634]

I'm facing a bit of a dilemma concerning the first little one derived from within my own flock, to put it simply. A bit of background for starters: my hens are notoriously terrible broodies. Let's just say they lack necessary motherly instincts. What else would you call the tendency to eat every chick/duckling close to hatch (shell and all?), as well as inclination to move from nest to nest, abandoning several eggs in need of warmth? Because of this, attempts at creating mixes from my diverse flock have failed miserably in previous years. But after putting blood, sweat, and tears into hatching this year, I've managed to protect a single baby up to day 18 (accomplished by checking several times a day, and moving it as necessary). Praying it pulls through another 3 days!

I'm sure you've got a decent picture in your mind as to why I'm unwilling to let my girls raise this precious munchkin, let alone hatch it. My fear is that they'd devour it as soon as it emerged. Considering we don't own an incubator, does anyone have tips for me? And if I take it as soon as it starts pipping, what would I have to do to make sure it hatches safely? I'm a little lost, to be honest. This is a new experience for me!

Thanks so much!

~Alex

You'll probably not like this, but I'll not sugarcoat it.
First off, I'd try OregonKat's suggestion.
Secondly, those hens would be eating someone else's feed this time next week if they were mine; I'd replace them with a breed known for broodiness.
Then, before I went any further, I'd be buying a decent incubator & use it as backup in case none of your new batch of hens go broody.

 

[Kiki]

Do you have an ice chest and a heating pad?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

It may be time to invest in a high quality incubator.

 

[kwhites634]

Do you have an ice chest and a heating pad?

Also a quick fix that should work on short notice.

 

[kwhites634]

It may be time to invest in a high quality incubator.

Which doesn't necessarily equate to high dollar.

 

[Alexandra33]

Is this one egg and broody hen separated from the rest of the hens? Is this broody the one that has previously eaten her endeavors? If she is not separated, separate her now. She might like the seclusion and actually allow the chick to hatch.
Barring that, doing this without an incubator might be a bit of a challenge. You are going to have to figure out a way of keeping that pipping egg nice and warm and humid. Perhaps a warming blanket in a cooler of some kind with a bowl of steaming water??? I dont know. Then you are going to have to find your little chick a friend! I will send for some other folks to give some thoughts:
@WVduckchick,@aart,@azygous,@KikisGirls

Sadly, no. I've thought of trying to separate one of the broodies, but last time it only resulted in abandoned eggs. Worth a second shot, though!

Well, there are about 6 hens who have co-incubated the baby....although I've been trying to keep it underneath my Cochin for the most part. She, specifically, hasn't consumed any progeny.

I shall try that and see how it goes! Your ideas and those of others' (concerning hatching without a broody mother) are wonderful, and shall be put to good use if need be.

I have "friends" covered, no worries. They'll be a few days older, but I'll keep an eye just to make sure picking doesn't become excessive. Everything should be fine.

Wow Alex, that’s rough. But there are several makeshift emergency incubator-ish things that can be done. I agree with @oregonkat first, if you can move her and the egg, do that!

If you would rather hatch it yourself, play around with some things you have at home, like a desk or heat lamp, Pyrex dish, Saran Wrap cover over it, poke holes with a toothpick in the wrap for air circulation. Toss in a wet sponge and see how close to 100 degrees and 70% humidity you can get it.

Then There’s always the bra method.

I’d try to leave it with the hen until it pips, or at least the air cell draws down and is almost ready to hatch. The less time you have to keep something constant, the better chance of it surviving.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for your advice!!! Wonderful options, all of which will be (the latter of which HAS been ) considered.

I'll leave it underneath a broody for as long as possible. You'd better believe I'm going to be out there every few minutes, checking up on things!

You'll probably not like this, but I'll not sugarcoat it.
First off, I'd try OregonKat's suggestion.
Secondly, those hens would be eating someone else's feed this time next week if they were mine; I'd replace them with a breed known for broodiness.
Then, before I went any further, I'd be buying a decent incubator & use it as backup in case none of your new batch of hens go broody.

Go ahead and say it like it is, I don't need the sugar-coated version. Unfortunately, it's not a few specific hens who do this, it's most. And I own some breeds that are prone to broodiness, though generally it's those who aren't prone who go broody. Very confusing.

I will consider an incubator, for sure.

Do you have an ice chest and a heating pad?

I believe so!

It may be time to invest in a high quality incubator.

I can't help but agree.

Which doesn't necessarily equate to high dollar.

Good to know!

Thank you all!

~Alex