Want to let my hens hatch their own eggs - help!

[irenesnow]

I'm looking for some reliable info on setting things up so my one or two of my hens (I have 5 and a rooster) can hatch some eggs. I've seen so many articles, some of which contradict each other, that I'm confused. I don't want to conduct a science experiment here, just hopefully get some chicks.

I have lots of room, can put the hens in our barn, leave them in the chicken coop or set up something new. I just need some direction from someone with some experience.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to this forum!

Glad you are here!

I'll give you links to some threads and an article. They might help or at least help you ask more specific questions. We all have different goals and conditions so no one answer if always right for everyone. That's a big reason you see conflicting information.

Isolate a Broody? Thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=213218

Raise with flock? thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=215937&p=1

Broody Hens
http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/broody-hens-1.html

One of the things that makes it more difficult is that you have no real control over whether a hen ever goes broody or not. Some hens go broody two or three times a year. Some never go broody. It depends on genetics, hormones, and who knows what else.

Hope this helps some.

 

[BarkerChickens]

Depending on your flock, you may or not be able to raise the chicks with them. DHs best friend is able to...mine, ehh, probably not. I don't trust them enough to even try it...well, not yet anyway.

We have a small coop and run in the back of the main run. The small run is fully covered and we put hardwire cloth around the sides so the little ones can't sneak out. The covered top is important (for us anyway) since we have lots of ravens that eat baby chicks. Our full-grown flock is fine, but the babies need overhead protection. Depending on the hen, we either let mama hatch in the main coop and move 'em over when hatching is done or just let her hatch in the small "broody" coop. From there, we just give them plenty of water (in a baby chick waterer) and starter feed (the hen can eat this too). She'll do the rest for ya!!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I hope those links help answer some of your basic questions, please feel free to ask for more detailed info after you've done that initial research on the topic of broody hens. It's true that not all hens will ever want to go broody, and others will only do so on their own personal schedules. I think a lot depends on the voices only they hear in their little heads.

One of the most enjoyable experiences we've had with our chickens is watching them set, hatch out, & care for their chicks. I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy the same with your chickens.

 

[ams3651]

my hen hatched 4 out of 9 last spring, about the only think i did to encourage her was not have time to collect the eggs for 2 days. It was cool enough not to worry about it but I guess the pile of eggs was enough to set her off. And out of 5 hens she was the only one to go broody. I think another one tried but after removing her from the nest a couple times and removing the eggs she gave up. I didnt want that many chicks. I also have a separate broody box in the coop to keep the momma and chicks / nest away from the others so they dont intrude but with wire so everyone can see each other. Its especially handy to keep the chicks safe. Also some breeds are much more likely to go broody than others. My hatchery bought RIR for example are pretty much known to rarely go broody but she did. Good Luck.