When will my Mille banty go broody?

[wyomingfarmmom]

I have a trio of Milles, 2 hens and a rooster. The hens are laying in one nest. Since the 13th we have had 8 eggs. When will one of the hens start to sit on the nest? One of the hens seems more interested in the nest than the other.

 

[gryeyes]

It is a myth that all hens naturally will hatch their eggs. Many NEVER go broody. The trait has been bred out of so many breeds because it interferes with egg production.

That being said, if your banty hen goes broody, you will know it! She will stay on the nest 24/7, only getting up maybe once or twice to eat, drink, poo, and MAYBE get in a quick dust bath. She'll puff up and growl at you when you go to check eggs underneath her. If she stays on the next for two consecutive nights (no going up on the roost) and displays the other behavior, then you know she's gone broody.

Good luck - but don't hold your breath. Hope your gal goes broody for ya!

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I have had my millies go broody, but try using something other than eggs to induce them golf balls or something, some millies bounce around in the nest they break eggs if there are to many in there, when I've gotten mine to brood there where a lot of eggs in the nest

 

[wyomingfarmmom]

I have an icubator set up and ready to go. How long should I give her before I pull the eggs. They are in a barn with a protected nest box. The temp is still cold, usually around the mid 40's.