The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Roxy on March 30, 2011, 11:11:32 pm

Title: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Roxy on March 30, 2011, 11:11:32 pm
Last year someone asked to borrow a broody hen.  He sat her on some eggs, but for whatever reason she did not stay on the nest, so he was trying again.  Fair enough.  I did say I wanted the hen back when he had finished.  After countless asking, the hen was never returned, so presumably he has kept her for eggs, and more than likely she is broody again.  I think you know what I will say if he comes to me again asking for a broody hen!!
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Helencus on March 30, 2011, 11:20:56 pm
I'd guess at no you may not  ;D rather than me who would say go forth and multiply... ;D
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Castle Farm on March 31, 2011, 09:45:57 am
A realiable broody large fowl is worth about £25.00. 2cnd year bird that knows what she is doing.
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Roxy on March 31, 2011, 11:36:50 am
I am miffed about it, as although the bantams go broody, I don't get many of the big hens broody, although we have a selection of breeds.  But, fingers crossed two of the big hens are starting to cluck.

I was gobsmacked at the price of a broody hen at the local market - and if they have a clutch of chickens, and its the Easter weekend, with all the day trippers there,  prices go through the roof!!! 
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: darkbrowneggs on March 31, 2011, 01:34:39 pm
Last year someone asked to borrow a broody hen.  He sat her on some eggs, but for whatever reason she did not stay on the nest, so he was trying again.  Fair enough.  I did say I wanted the hen back when he had finished.  After countless asking, the hen was never returned, so presumably he has kept her for eggs, and more than likely she is broody again.  I think you know what I will say if he comes to me again asking for a broody hen!!

Ok I raise you a sheep ----   I bought a ram BWM from the show and sale, and the owner delivered it for me (paid for of course)  When he saw my sheep he said - Thats a nice ewe lamb, can I borrow her and enter in The Royal to make a pair with one of mine ( years ago now)

I said sure, but after she still hadn't returned come tupping time next year I phoned to see what was going on

Oh he's emigrated to Australia -----  Me - well what about the sheep  -----Answer  ---Oh, he sold them all !!!!!

Live and learn, live and learn  :o ;D

All the best
Sue
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: CameronS on March 31, 2011, 08:18:15 pm
what i have seen done is loaning out a broodybird, but taking from them a laying bird. that way  they should return your clucky after chicks are grown up, and if not you've not made a loss, just a minor annoyance and the principle of loosing one of your hens.
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Hermit on March 31, 2011, 11:48:13 pm
I  was asked to loan out a broody Indian Game . Bring your eggs here I said   .... they didnt! :D
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Roxy on March 31, 2011, 11:54:44 pm
Cameron, thats a good idea .....wish I had thought of that at the time!!

There is an old saying "Never a borrower or lender be"
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Fleecewife on April 01, 2011, 12:08:31 am
We were suckered by that one too  :chook: Really nice couple we didn't know asked to borrow a broody, so we let them take her coop too.  How daft are we  ::)  They never came back with the hen and said she was no good as a broody but after a very long time I did extract £20 from them - I would rather have had my hen and coop back.  I certainly won't fall for it again.
DBE - that's brilliant  ;D  The bare faced cheek of some people is hard to match - and they are the ones who get away with it.
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: OhLaLa on April 01, 2011, 09:34:58 am
I never borrow or lend. People get quite offended when they ask me for something and don't get it. I reply no as nicely as poss but their faces change every time. It's a quick way to find out who is only talking to us just to scrounge!

It was put this way to me as a kid: "Neither a borrower or a lender be - people have worked hard to buy what they need and it's not fair for you to ask if you can take it. If you want it, save up and buy it". And it's a rule I stick firmly by having just three times in my life lent something out - only to have the items returned on each occasion totally wrecked.

Bl""dy cheek of people!!!! NEVER again. Grrrrr.  >:(
Title: Re: Loaning out broody hens
Post by: Fleecewife on April 01, 2011, 11:56:56 am
We don't lend out machinery for that very reason.  Also, any machine has only a certain expected life, and ours have been chosen to last as long as us as we certainly can't afford to replace anything big now.