Author Topic: Biggest brood raised by a hen? (Read 2897 times)

FiB · « **on:** April 27, 2014, 09:13:01 pm »

I have a big hen just hatched 6, and 10 hatched in incubator a couple of days earlier- same time..... She is still sitting on last eggs, but I think that may be it for her..... What are my chances of getting the Incy ones off heat and in with her in the dead of night?! I know 16 is a lot and wondering if it is possible, has been done? Cheers, f

bloomer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2014, 09:14:28 pm »

no idea but whilst we're at it what's the most eggs anyone's had a broody hatch successfully in 1 sitting please???

AndynJ · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2014, 09:24:24 pm »

I let them sit 6 but take 3 away last minute, I have lavenders & speckled sussex so permanently have broodies

FiB · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2014, 09:40:45 pm »

Lol... Mine was sitting on about 20! But I need to weigh up the likelihood of success before contemplating 'slipping' an extra 10 chicks in with her tomorrow (assuming no more hatch overnight). Someone had said they had not had more than 10 chicks with 1 hen... I wondered if anyone had experienced more.....

shygirl · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2014, 09:56:17 pm »

if they are all hatched im sure they will be fine if she is big and well feathered. and she is happy to accept them.

FiB · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2014, 08:24:06 am »

Thanks. She has hatched at least another one over night (day 26 now!), so starting to tip past ' too many' (and no benefit in fostering a few (was hoping to save on heat lampage). Ah well, for a day there it was starting to look neat $:-\$

shygirl · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2014, 10:39:26 am »

chicks will sit under her wings and chest aswell as underneath her so should be ok. giving her too many eggs however means some can get cold and not hatch.

FiB · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2014, 12:24:13 pm »

Well.... I don't want to count my chicks etc

.... But she seems quite pleased (as best I can tell). Immediately set to warming position and made gentle clucking noises. No pecking or pushing away.

. Thanks shy girl et al fi xx

FiB · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2014, 09:34:26 pm »

Well ....... done last light check and all quiet- can see a few bits and bobs poking out, but she does appear to have absorbed all 17 into her giant ruffles!!

She is going to get some serious treats tomorrow. Mmmm, how do you treat a broody hen?

Steph Hen · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2014, 10:15:26 pm »

Best of luck with them, I'm sure she'll be fine! It's amazing how they all disappear into mums feathers; the family may look a bit more awkward in about 3 weeks when chicks are bigger and more chick bits hang out!