The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: northfifeduckling on June 10, 2010, 10:38:24 pm
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We now also have a broody hen - is there a difference in hatching times or can I just shove a few duck eggs under her? And - can a hen be moved to different premises while sitting? She would have more peace and I wouldn't get the eggs mixed up... :&> :chook:
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I've moved 2 broody hens sucessfully - actually I got my dates wrong for the second and when I picked her up there was a chick already hatched! She went on to hatch the other 3 OK though! Move her in the evening, just before bedtime so she knows to stay put - you may need to remind her where the nest is after she's got up to stretch her legs (if she's so inclined!) My Orpie kept going back to the old coop!
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You can move a hen but keep her restrained in a small area for a day or so till she settles before putting eggs under her. Only put either duck or hen eggs under a broody as ducks take 28 days whereas hens take 21 days. If her chicks hatched out she'd maybe leave the duck eggs.
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I keep reading that broody hens never eat or drink - how near should I put food and water if I put her on some duck eggs?
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our first and so far only mother duck did nip out for a nibble, drink and bath every day. They can leave the nest for a short time and seem to know for how long. She didn't eat much, though. Is your broody hen locked up or can she go as she pleases? If she's free ranging you don't need to change the routine, if she's locked up I wold put food and water near :chook: :&>
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one of the hens is definitely up for the job - do they share the job or is always the same on the nest? They look so similar, it's hard to tell! There have been no eggs from the other 2 in the other box or around the house, so I wonder if they put them in the same box or are laying in the garden where I've not found them yet. The broody girl is not shifting when I'm looking, so I can't count the eggs... :chook: :chook: :chook: