The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Tweedy on April 07, 2009, 09:31:38 am

Title: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: Tweedy on April 07, 2009, 09:31:38 am

Hi, I have hatched a few eggs in an inkki but have never had a broody before. The eggs I put under her are due to hatch today. I did lamp them but am not totally convinced how many are fertile. Is it fine to lift her off (she's friendly) and have a peek and see whats going on, or once they have hatched will they just be out and about around her??? if I can't do that how long shall I leave the eggs after the 21 day mark?? Thanks for any information.    ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

Title: Re: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: doganjo on April 07, 2009, 11:43:59 am

Hi, I have had some hatch after 23 days but after that I don't think they will.  I'd just leave her and you will hear cheeping under her when they arrive.  Then you can gently lift her but watch not too high as they will be sitting on her feet so may drop to the ground.

Title: Re: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: jameslindsay on April 07, 2009, 11:59:25 am

Quote from: doganjo on April 07, 2009, 11:43:59 am

I'd just leave her and you will hear cheeping under her when they arrive.  Then you can gently lift her but watch not too high as they will be sitting on her feet so may drop to the ground.

Isn't nature just a wonderful thing? This is exactly what makes all the hard work looking after them so worthwhile.

Tweedy - hope you get your chicks.

Title: Re: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: Birdie Wife on April 07, 2009, 03:03:07 pm

Once the first chick hatches it will need to eat and get water after a day or two so will be up and active.  The broody hen follows it, leaving the nest with any eggs unhatched.  Often the broody will sense if an egg is infertile or not going to hatch and will turf it out of the nest, avoiding spoiling the rest of the eggs. And I've had eggs hatch on day 24!!  Is that a record?!

Title: Re: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: Tweedy on April 07, 2009, 04:08:25 pm

Thanks for the info I will just have to wait and see, which is hard when you have two small children who are as excited as myself. ;D

Title: Re: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: Rosemary on April 07, 2009, 06:24:57 pm

Good luck - we set 20 eggs in two incubators and none hatched. Some were ours and some bought in. None developed at all, which is pretty grim. I've some under Gill's broody so I hope they hatch.

Never daunted, I've set another eight today. If nothing this time, Hugo's dinner.

Title: Re: how long to leave a broody hen???
Post by: Tweedy on April 07, 2009, 07:52:07 pm

Yes i think Hugo needs to be on a time limit if he cant produce the goods!!! soooo disapointing to get no chicks out of 20!!! :chook: :chook: