First Timer Broody Hen Questions

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kenya
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by kenya » Thu Jul 18, 2019 3:49 pm

I have had them go 4 days late, so cross your fingers.
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Kbr42
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by Kbr42 » Thu Jul 18, 2019 3:56 pm

I would candle the eggs. See if there is anything going on in them. You should be able to see the chicks moving away from the light. Grab at least a couple and see what's going on. Also, they may have pipped and you just can't see the pip yet.

Let us know. Good luck!
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Farrier1987
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by Farrier1987 » Thu Jul 18, 2019 6:17 pm

What Kenya said.
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Jaye
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by Jaye » Thu Jul 18, 2019 6:43 pm

Ditto - what Kenya said. Our Biscuit was hatched four days late too.
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amberalora
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by amberalora » Fri Jul 19, 2019 8:52 am

Ok good to know! I haven't checked under momma since yesterday at noon (She bites!! lol) but I will look again tonight. Fingers crossed!!

Thank you all!
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Killerbunny
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by Killerbunny » Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:31 am

Also listen carefully. When they start to pip they cheep to Mum before they hatch.
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amberalora
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by amberalora » Fri Jul 19, 2019 11:57 am

Cool, I will try listening. Thanks for the tip!
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amberalora
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by amberalora » Wed Jul 24, 2019 10:41 am

So, we didn't have a hatch. It's been 28 days now, so I am going to remove the eggs today. I'm disappointed, but it is what it is.

Would you try again with fresh eggs or is that too much sitting for momma hen?
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Jaye
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by Jaye » Wed Jul 24, 2019 10:52 am

It's your call, but if it were me, I definitely wouldn't, with the heat we are having at this time. I wouldn't want to risk the broody hen's health. When broody hens sit, they lose condition and the longer they sit, the higher the risk of them becoming ill, or worse.
I had a very bad experience with letting my broody hen sit for two incubation periods, after none of the eggs that she sat on for the first 25 days hatched. She was attacked by another hen in the last few days before her second clutch was due to hatch, and she abandoned the eggs. Also, I think the experience traumatized her so much that she has never been broody since. And she used to be a serious broody and a great mother to any chicks she raised.
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amberalora
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Re: First Timer Broody Hen Questions

Post by amberalora » Wed Jul 24, 2019 11:55 am

Oh no :( That is sad.
Thanks for the insight. I definitely wouldn't want to risk her health.

She has been in the dog crate for a week and a half now in anticipation that eggs would hatch, to keep the babies safe.

When I take the eggs away, should I just remove the food and water from her crate to encourage her to come out to eat with the others, and leave the door open? Or would you take her out and take the crate away all at once?
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