Should I let my broody hatch?

[Chicks Galore3]

Well, I DO have enough room for 100 chickens....and I "only" have 42............Stop encouraging me!!!!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I went out this morning and Anna (who's twin sister is Elsa ) was FREAKING out so I opened her pen and after chewing me out she went and ate and drank. I thought for sure she was abandoning her nest. But after that she wanted back in and promptly sat back on her eggs and hasn't moved since. Not sure what that was about!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

She was trying really hard to get out again this morning. I don't mind that she gets off because she eats, drinks, poops, and gets right back on within 5 minutes after I let her out. I'm worried that she stands there pacing for a long time before I get out there though. I was thinking of making a small little "door" for her to get in and out. She is 1 of only 2 bantams so none of my others would be able to get in, and the other bantam doesn't lay much and never in that box. I'm not sure what to do...

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Should I let the eggs reach room temperature before I give them to my broody?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I just gave her the eggs!!! So excited! Does today count as Day 1 or should I started counting tomorrow?

 

[gus2pp]

Start counting tomorrow. I wouldn't worry about her trying to get up and pace. I've had a broody off the nest for an hour before, and everything went swimmingly. She sounds ready. Good luck!! Keep us updated.

 

[Kev]

I agree, ignore her pacing. It's a case of being safe than sorry and just keep her confined to that area at all times. Hens going back to the wrong nest is a common enough occurrence, especially in the identical row of nest box setups so there is a small chance of that if a customized door is made for her..

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I didn't make a little doorfor her, but I do let her out n the mornings when I'm out doing chores. She eats and drinks and runs around and scratches like a squirrel on caffeine before wanting back in. She didn't want out when I was out there (I was out earlier then usual.) This morning so she just stayed in there. I was worried she was going to be pacing when I got back but she's perfectly fine. Of course.

 

[Kev]

Haha of course.