Two basque hens going broody

[bridgettesd]

Our basque hens have only been laying for a couple of weeks and now two are broody. How long should I let one sit before introducing chicks or is it better to put fertile eggs and how many chicks or eggs?

Any recommendation on MG- free fertile egg suppliers. We are looking at Welsummers.

Thanks,
Bridgette

 

[Johnn]

Our basque hens have only been laying for a couple of weeks and now two are broody. How long should I let one sit before introducing chicks or is it better to put fertile eggs and how many chicks or eggs?

Any recommendation on MG- free fertile egg suppliers. We are looking at Welsummers.

Thanks,
Bridgette

Well if you give chicks, no matter how long you leave it there is no garuntee that she will accept them. But if you want to give it a try then the minimum is 2 weeks. If you want to give them eggs then just give them whenever (as long as you are happy with where she is sitting). Don't forget to leave the eggs to sit 24hr point down before putting them under if you have them posted. Is she a LF or Bantam? If she is a LF she could probably handle 8-12 of her own eggs and if she is a bantam she could probably handle 6 of her own eggs,

 

[bridgettesd]

Thanks! Is it too late in the year to put eggs under her?

 

[Johnn]

Hmmm. Do do you have a heat lamp you could put in her coop for when her chicks are up and about? If so, I would give it a try. It's up to you. Also feed her mixed corn when she is sitting because it will raise the temp of her....

 

[bridgettesd]

Yes we do so that may work. Now last question Johnn. You have been so helpful. Good source for MG-free NPIP certified fertile Welsummer eggs preferably from a breeder.

Thanks again!