The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: laurelrus on April 21, 2016, 02:40:22 pm

Title: Hatching eggs and broody hens
Post by: laurelrus on April 21, 2016, 02:40:22 pm

We've not tried hatching chickens before but would like to try.
We have an elderly pet Silkie who used to go broody regularly when she was younger and when she was in with other hens that still laid.
Would it work to put hatching eggs in with her now? Do birds who are well past laying age still go broody?
It would be great to do that but if it's not a good idea then I'll have to learn about incubators!
Thanks very much!

Title: Re: Hatching eggs and broody hens
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 21, 2016, 03:06:29 pm

How old is she and in what condition (?good weight for her size).  Hatching a clutch of eggs takes a lot out of a hen.  If you're happy to try you could try putting her with a few eggs in a broody coop and see what she does next.  If she settles happily, fluffs up her feathers and tries to peck you if you put your hand near her then it may be worth putting some fertile eggs under her.

Title: Re: Hatching eggs and broody hens
Post by: laurelrus on April 21, 2016, 03:42:21 pm

Thanks Marches Farmer - she is really old but a good weight, very active and fluffy!
I'll put a couple of eggs in her coop tomorrow morning and see what happens!

Title: Re: Hatching eggs and broody hens
Post by: twizzel on April 21, 2016, 04:55:07 pm

I have an old light sussex who went broody last year and hatched 5 ducklings however this year she's showing no signs of broodiness and isn't laying  :-\ just living out her years with me now... she was too over protective to be a good broody so not too fussed anyway.