What I learned about using a Broody Hen

[rebecca10782]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

They are so cute! I just can't stand it, I think that pictures of mama hens with their little meeps are too cute! We have two girls that have just gone broody

An hatchery EE and hatchery Marans. So I am definitely going to buy some eggs to put under them asap. It was sooo cute, when I was getting the unfertilized eggs from under them, I would put another wood egg in front of them for a distraction and they use there beaks to snuggle them all the way under their bellies as they keep the others covered with their wings!

 

[Lila_Brambleburr]

Absolutely adorable! Conrats on your little family!

Our chickens are free-range, and we have a banty (Yente)who has been laying eggs in the shavings under the table saw in our garage. We were excited at the pending broody-hood! After laying 9 eggs, she's been brooding. I did slip one newly laid ameraucana egg under her, to see if she could hatch it, too. I am so new at this, and Yente is my first serious broody hen. We left her there, only removing the shavings and replacing it with hay to make it easier to make a nest that the eggs would not roll out of. She allowed this, and we ahve kept the garage quiet and private every since. It's like a hallowed place these days! The other chickens wander in occasionally, but no one bothers her. I am so excited! Thanks for sharing your tips...I have a lot to learn before the eggs hopefully start hatching!!