Tips and what I need to know for hatching under a broody

[picklestheduck]

Hello all, a friend of mine wants to have her broody hen hatch a few eggs, which they will be getting from me since they do not have fertile eggs. They have said they only want 2-3 but I reminded them that the hatch rate won’t always be 100%. Im just on here to ask what they need to know for hatching under a broody, and I want to learn for the future as well. I have very little experience with this, but a hen of mine almost hatched a clutch that was hidden during our vacation, but a crow swooped in and took the eggs right before hatch. I told my friend that it might be best to get at least 6 eggs, and to probably seperate the hen. Aside from this I don’t know much, anything we should know/look out for? Thanks in advance.

 

[CoopBoots]

Here are my recommendations:

Give the broody a checkup for mites and lice, and if you see any, definitely treat her before giving her a clutch! She won't take great care of herself while she's sitting so parasites could get the best of her and also infect any babies if you get some hatched.

I'd also recommend a separate but visible to the flock broody space so you don't have other laying hens adding unwanted eggs or running her off/interfering. She needs the space and ability to get up, eat and drink, and poop at least once a day.

Finally, make sure you see her come off the nest once in a while... Some are too dedicated and may not actually take breaks, so in such a case I'd gently remove her once a day to ensure she eats and doesn't poop the nest. Pooping the nest is bad for eggs and can cause germ issues that may impact hatchibility.

 

[janiedoe]

I agree with everything @CoopBoots says
I number and take a picture of the eggs. I do this because it helps me figure out which hens have more fertile eggs, and helps me figure out what traits came from which flock members.
Also I date them. I've been known to forget when I set the eggs.
The less you disturb them, the better the hatch rate. I rarely candle eggs that a broody is sitting on, because it stresses the hen and it is more likely that something could go wrong. (like a dropped egg)
Be patient, they don't always hatch on day 21, and they don't always hatch together.
Tell your friend good luck!

 

[janiedoe]

I agree with everything @CoopBoots says
I number and take a picture of the eggs. I do this because it helps me figure out which hens have more fertile eggs, and helps me figure out what traits came from which flock members.
Also I date them. I've been known to forget when I set the eggs.
The less you disturb them, the better the hatch rate. I rarely candle eggs that a broody is sitting on, because it stresses the hen and it is more likely that something could go wrong. (like a dropped egg)
Be patient, they don't always hatch on day 21, and they don't always hatch together.
Tell your friend good luck!

I forgot to add, have an incubator handy for emergencies.

 

[Carters Chick House]

I placed two cochin eggs under my broody bantam hen. Candling proved they are developing. Her nest is about 3 feet from floor. Keeping her there until hatch date. The flock size is 12. I've read that upon hatch I should move her and the chicks to an enclosed area..and also read not to. It's so confusing. I have a brooder and grow out pen inside the coop just in case there is trouble. Any advice for me? I'm a first time chicken lady.

 

[janiedoe]

I placed two cochin eggs under my broody bantam hen. Candling proved they are developing. Her nest is about 3 feet from floor. Keeping her there until hatch date. The flock size is 12. I've read that upon hatch I should move her and the chicks to an enclosed area..and also read not to. It's so confusing. I have a brooder and grow out pen inside the coop just in case there is trouble. Any advice for me? I'm a first time chicken lady.

I would make sure to at least put a barrier to keep tiny chicks in. They can get through the tiniest of holes and fall, or chill. Expect bantams to hatch 2 to 3 days early.