What is needed to hatch new chicks?

[bobbi-j]

Bobbi J, sounds as if you have a broody egg eater...it happens, or a predator sneaking in for mid-night snacks. My broody hens are just left alone, after all, they know more than I do about raising chicks.

It's been happening for many years, through many different batches of chickens. I finally just gave up. Now that I have my dividable coop, I will continue to separate them while they're setting and let them back together on e the chicks have hatched. Last year my broodies were so feisty they did just fine.

 

[ChickenCurt]

Wow, and no mid-night snackers stealing in for a bite? Hard to imagine multiple generations doing that. Hope your new brooding fairs better Bobbi.

 

[bobbi-j]

Wow, and no mid-night snackers stealing in for a bite? Hard to imagine multiple generations doing that. Hope your new brooding fairs better Bobbi.

Thanks, ChickenCurt. It's not even "multiple generations" because there have been a few years where I have taken a break and started all over again the next year. I've had nests in the barn - unprotected, so probably the midnight snackers. I have left them in the coop with the rest of the chickens - broken eggs, so probably other hens getting in the nest to lay, causing broken eggs, or egg-eating broodies. I certainly agree that they know more than we humans do about raising chicks, so I want to give them a chance to hatch chicks to raise!

I'm kind of a hands-off chicken keeper, anyway. I feed them, water them, pick eggs, and otherwise let them be chickens. I'm not one to hold, cuddle, pet or name them, so if I can have a broody mama do the work, all the better!

 

[ChickenCurt]

Not sure all you have going on but maybe a guard animal to buds with your chickens (geese/dog), also, a breed of hen renown for brooding (most bantams, cochins, Orpintons or jerseys). An idea anyway. Many disagree but a good rooster will protect a broody hen to the end. Sometimes it takes numbers to find the right combination which most backyard keepers haven't the luxury. If you find a good rooster or brooder keep 'em even after their productive years are over because they'll teach others their good habits.