I've had one hen go broody earlier this year. She hatched 5 chicks the first weekend in May. Now I have another who has been on flat and growling on fake eggs for two days. If she continues to be serious, I plan to give her some real eggs Friday. First hen had 5 unhatched eggs, not sure why, I didn't open then but early on (second day) she broke an egg in the nest and I think that might have ruined a couple. I had her on a nest of wood shavings, same as they lay in, in a broody box in the store room. She sat in April, it was spring, warm and kinda humid. Now it's mid summer and hot and dry. I have read that a layer of soil in the bottom of the broody box (I think it was upside down turf that was suggested) helps keep the correct humidity, the idea I guess being that hens would "naturally" brood on nests that sit directly on the ground, Don't know if I buy this or not, my inclination is that the hen can manage it all better than me but I'm open and interested---what do y'all suggest as nesting material in a broody box? Do you do anything to make sure humidity is correct?
Thanks!
Bill
Thanks!
Bill
