Broody Hen Surprise

[user 7704]

 

[user 7704]

This is the baby. Out and about. The mom taught her how to dirt bathe. I have a video I know you are all dying to see, but can't download it. Haha.

 

[user 7704]

She has some really long legs. Like the roos.

 

[user 7704]

Does anyone know if hens sometime change who is sitting on the eggs?

Twice when my main egg sitter got off to eat, another hen took over sitting on the eggs. Is this normal?

 

[Maverick]

Does anyone know if hens sometime change who is sitting on the eggs?

Twice when my main egg sitter got off to eat, another hen took over sitting on the eggs. Is this normal?

mine sometimes do that

 

[user 7704]

mine sometimes do that

Thanks. Didn't know if mine were odd.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Does anyone know if hens sometime change who is sitting on the eggs?

Twice when my main egg sitter got off to eat, another hen took over sitting on the eggs. Is this normal?

Mine do that all the time. Most of the hens seem to have their favorite nest box. We have a dozen nest boxes and several hens fight over 2 or 3 boxes. Usually there's eggs in only about 3 boxes when I go to collect them at night.

 

[user 7704]

Mine do that all the time. Most of the hens seem to have their favorite nest box. We have a dozen nest boxes and several hens fight over 2 or 3 boxes. Usually there's eggs in only about 3 boxes when I go to collect them at night.

Mine sharwnthe boxes too. I read that if they see other eggs, it means the nest is safe.

I'm talking about a hen sitting on eggs to be hatched.

 

[user 7704]

Question: I've had a hen sitting in eggs for 19 days and 2 days prior to hatch date, she won't stay on them.

Has this happened to anyone? If she stays off tomorrow can I put them under the Brunsea and it keep them warm enough?

Thanks guys

 

[Dani]

I haven't helped 'finish' incubation periods. Is she sitting on at all? If not I would go ahead and try the incubator. Sometimes they will still hatch out unless they have been cold for too long. I wish you luck!

 

[user 7704]

Yes she stays on them all night and off and on during the day.

Oh, it's not the incubator it's the chick warmer.

 

[Dani]

If she is still sitting periodically I wouldn't stress too bad. Just don't want them to get cold.

 

[user 7704]

Thanks for the input. Friday is the due date. I post updates. I'm sure everyone is anxiously waiting.

 

[Dani]

I just did a search on it it was possible to hatch an egg using a heat lamp. I was wondering if the humidity was going to be an issue. . . But apparently it is. But then it brought me to a story about how a woman used her bra to hatch an egg. I say give it a try and see.

 

[user 7704]

Sounds interesting. I'll Google.

 

[Dani]

Sounds interesting. I'll Google.

Apparently it is more common than you would think.

 

[user 7704]

I've watched shows where they use incubators and if the temp is off 1° or the humidity is barely off, they don't hatch. in nature, it doesn't really seem that complicated

 

[Mountain trapper]

I just did a search on it it was possible to hatch an egg using a heat lamp. I was wondering if the humidity was going to be an issue. . . But apparently it is. But then it brought me to a story about how a woman used her bra to hatch an egg. I say give it a try and see.

My son hatched some goose eggs in his oven. They didn't all hatch but most did.

 

[user 7704]

Next question..... I just went down and a Red was sitting on eggs for the first time. What happens if a surrogate is sitting on the eggs at the time they start pipping. Which chicken do I put with the chicks when I move them? I'm guessing the original broody one....

 

[user 7704]

Had a meeting and just got home. Went to lock the coop and the hen was on the eggs. Tomorrowmis day 21 so maybe....

 

[Gazrok]

Cool, keep us updated, and good luck!

 

[Dani]

If your egg hatches today, look like it will have the same birthday as grandbaby number 3. Hoping by this afternoon. . . She will be about 5 weeks early.

 

[user 7704]

Just got home and I have a baby chick. Where the hell is mom? Probably hanging at some bar.

I caught her and put her on nest and she seems rather surprised that there is a chick.

The mom's comb looks pale. I gave her some high protein food. I guess she needs sunshine and worms. I'm going to get her some.

The other 3 eggs aren't even pipping yet. I'm happy to get one though.

 

[Dani]

Can you give her electrolytes to help? I am not too good with chickens but it helps my goats pick up so to speak. We have chicken but I let my hunny tend to them for the most part. I have enough with the goats and now all the girl cows. A recipe I use is 1 quart water, 1/2 cup molasses or Karo syrup, 1/2 t salt & 1/2 t baking soda.

 

[user 7704]

I made a sugar, salt and water electrolyte drink.

Yours sounds better though.

 

[user 7704]

Moved the older chick and mom to the other coop and the mom didn't like it. She threw muddy, poop water on me. My chickens are super friendly too

 

[user 7704]

This was at about 5 or 6 hours old.

 

[user 7704]

The 3 weeks old chick and mom are out free ranging today. I've been keeping a close watch, but man, that baby is full of energy.

I'm just worried about where the mom will take it to roost. I'll have to be outside and make sure they make it to the playpen.

The big hens are ignoring them.

 

[user 7704]

Taking refuge from the rain. Pooping on my porch. Isn't this rooster a beauty?

 

[Dani]

You and your side way pictures. . . It makes me laugh. I try to turn my tablet so I can see it right side up, just to have it turn side ways again. . He is a pretty boy but you also got some good looking girls. Hunny daughters of his girls eating eggs yesterday when he went to collect. Caught one and she is now seperated.