Should I let my broody 23 wk old pullet sit on a clutch????

[Minky]

My BLCM pullet is broody. She is only 23 weeks old, and started laying last month. I'd love to give her some eggs to hatch out. Has anyone ever had a broody pullet that they let sit on eggs?? And if yes, how did she do ??
It is day 2 for her. I was going to put her in a broody pen tomorrow after dark. I figure if she remains happily siting on the golf balls once I move her, then I'll let her try hatching some real eggs.

Thoughts?

 

[Anime2lover]

My BLCM pullet is broody. She is only 23 weeks old, and started laying last month. I'd love to give her some eggs to hatch out. Has anyone ever had a broody pullet that they let sit on eggs?? And if yes, how did she do ??
It is day 2 for her. I was going to put her in a broody pen tomorrow after dark. I figure if she remains happily siting on the golf balls once I move her, then I'll let her try hatching some real eggs.

Thoughts?

i've had four hatch out chicks. however, you run the risk of the hen not being the motherly type. a hen that isn't motherly ould simply only not care for the chicks, or go so far as to attack and harm he hatching chicks.

a motherly hen will diligently sit. she will not attack her chicks when they come out and will protect and search for food for them. something a none motherly hen isn't likely to do.

 

[Anime2lover]

there are risks like i mentoned, but letting the hen raise the chicks (if she's a good mother) can save you money since you won't have to get chick feed, provide heat (unless it's in a freezing environment). however, you may want to move her to a seperate pen to prevent confrontation from her and the other hens.

 

[Minky]

there are risks like i mentoned, but letting the hen raise the chicks (if she's a good mother) can save you money since you won't have to get chick feed, provide heat (unless it's in a freezing environment). however, you may want to move her to a seperate pen to prevent confrontation from her and the other hens.

Yes, Ive had many broody hens also- some good mothers, some not....I'm specifically asking about a pullet though. Not a hen. Have you had pullets sit on a clutch of eggs?

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Pullets are wild cards when it comes to sitting. I would break her and let her sit when she matures, rather than run the risk of her deciding she doesn't want to halfway in.

 

[Abriana]

In my opinion it is a bad idea. It’s basically hit or miss with one so young, and often you are too late to save the chicks, whether she actually attacks them or simply leaves them by themselves. Not to mention she could get bored with the whole affair and decide she’s finished halfway through. It’s better to let an older and more experienced hen do hatching and raising. I’ve only ever hatched with one hen, a little Dutch bantam named Bantam, and she is was wonderful, but I raised her past a year before she hatched out eggs. I personally would not trust a pullet, especially not that young.

 

[Minky]

The eggs are free though...and I have a ton of them!.... just saying... LOL

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

I’ve had this situation and my Orpington pullet quit after a few days. My mom’s Sebright pullet went broody at the same time and she hatched out 2 chicks. It’s a crapshoot but you might as well try.

 

[Anime2lover]

Yes, Ive had many broody hens also- some good mothers, some not....I'm specifically asking about a pullet though. Not a hen. Have you had pullets sit on a clutch of eggs?

my youngest was only a year old. they can raise chicks at a young age, though they'd be inexperienced.

 

[chickenhappy1233]

Earlier this week my 7 month old bantam cochin pullet hatched out 3 baby brahma mixes, she has been a very protective and gentle mother so far. she only began laying at 6 months so she is very young.
-Edit, i also have another that has chicks coming next week