Broodies on the Homestead

[milkmansdaughter]

Bee, we've got our first broodie sitting on eggs right now. We're expecting chicks Saturday or Sunday. This is this hens first time, so we're hoping she makes a good mom. How old were your chicks before you let them go outside?

 

[Beekissed]

Bee, we've got our first broodie sitting on eggs right now. We're expecting chicks Saturday or Sunday. This is this hens first time, so we're hoping she makes a good mom. How old were your chicks before you let them go outside?

I let them go out anywhere from 3 days to a week, depending on the weather and what's going on in the maternity ward.

Chicks without a mama go out at 2 wks.

 

[Mini Horses]

I broke ALL the rules this year. Normally I put the broody in her own pen & house. She can mingle when they hatch.

This year, found one & after 3 days gave her ten eggs. BUT not penned off. Soon as others saw eggs in a nest, they added more.
Eventually a 2nd hen stayed to "help" I'm guessing 25 eggs there and since I set her on 4/6 -- she has chicks and eggs and both hens claim both!! I'm watching! This is day 21.
Obviously some will hatch! When one gives up - probably 36-48 hrs - I'm planning to put chicks with her and hope hen #2 keeps hatching. Plan B -- a third hen has one been setting an old electric plug and she will get an entire nest full to continue.

I figure next week the hen in the trailer will begin to hatch. I found her & nest.

"HOUSTON, we have a problem!"

Good news -- my last preg goat had trips about midnight. All is well. ( 2 doe/1 buck) It's been a busy day.

 

[sumi]

Good news -- my last preg goat had trips about midnight. All is well. ( 2 doe/1 buck) It's been a busy day.

That's awesome, congrats on the new kids!

 

[sumi]

DS' little game hen went missing yesterday and I'm suspecting (and hoping like mad) that she went broody on a hidden nest somewhere We haven't been able to find out where she's laying and she is prone to broodiness. We're keeping an eye out, hoping she will show up, so I can catch her and put her somewhere safe. In that case I will find her some fertile eggs to hatch and in a better place.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Uh on - hope she turns up and you can get her some eggs!

 

[Mini Horses]

Thanks Sumi -- sure hope you find the hen. They have these inbred traits. Part of why we love them.

Only couple hrs sleep, up @5:30 & guzzling coffee. Work today @10:30-4: Opened pastures for horses to move, goats to graze, etc. Special chores for feed/water the new buckling and new goat mom to bond for a couple days & protect kids until they get their legs under themselves. Having to milk another doe with week old twins and HUGE udder -- 1.5-1.75 gal a day girl. Kids can't keep up, yess nursing & full tummies. Took 3/4 gal last night and she gets so full she waddles when she walks (like her dam--heavy milker).

So far 6 chicks and another 11 eggs...growling hens...may be more chicks tucked under wings.

Have a nice day everyone

 

[sumi]

No sign of her yet. DS is anxious, I'm hoping and praying We're keeping an eye out for her constantly, I even left the backdoor open, knowing her, she will come inside if she comes, demanding food. I was out most of the day yesterday, so I have no idea when she disappeared, or when she may show herself, if she's hiding out there somewhere.

 

[sumi]

DS found her!! She was sitting on a hidden nest outside, as I thought (hoped) she was.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

YaY! So glad ya found her! Hope you can get that gal some fertile eggs and your flock will grow-eth!