Broodies on the Homestead

[Mini Horses]

I have hens this time of year who just seem to want to sit on the nests for a couple hrs. Not always ON eggs. Suppose it is a "safe" feel for them . It sure makes some of the other hens put up a cackle fest, as we all know that only ONE nest will do!! 8 lovely nests and 6 eggs in one. Go, girls! Even the roos join into the hollering. Probably trying to tell them to shut up.

I don't expect broodies until next month. That's fine. Will set all that cooperate, for new layers early Fall. Then...well, some downsizing, we'll say.

 

[Beekissed]

Broody #1 had her hatch on the 16th, had 8 biddies and all are doing well. Were out of the pen on range today for the first time in the sunshine and cool, green grass. Didn't get a pic of when they came out, was too busy to get one.

Got another broody on the nest and she will hatch her eggs on May 3rd. Sure hope for a better hatch rate with this one.

 

[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]

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

 

[CrealCritter]

Baby chicks sure are cute when they are first born.

 

[milkmansdaughter]

Bee, I've got a new batch of FF started. I had to restart after my trip. It was super cute last night to see a three day old chick scratching the DL like an old pro.
And your batch looks like they have even more variety than mine! It'll be fun to watch them all grow.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Very nice set up. I like to keep my mama and chicks separated from the rest of the flock to and my broodies have their own space also . Not as nice as your set up though I love it. Do you have any problems with snakes?

 

[sumi]

None of my hens are showing signs of going broody. Which is perhaps not a bad thing right now!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Congrats on the broody.

 

[Mini Horses]

I have one due to hatch Sat, if all has gone well. And another went broody a couple days ago. Tonight I put 7 eggs under her & hope she stays put (small hen). It's her spot of choice and while not my favorite, will work.

My first groups have chicks that have been introduced to flock by their moms, still going back to their lock up broody hut at night but, can soon change that to the coop. One mom has actually been taking her brood there for the day. I've found them in there several times. Oddly, she's not the most "hovering" mom -- was at first -- at about a month they sure loosen up!! Plus, the two sets of hatchlings have begun to integrate during the day.

Glad another went broody. I could take one more, then I'm done -- maybe not them but, I will be.

My ExDH called to get some fertile eggs. They have 6 backyard hens & one has decided to set. So, I will give him some eggs Friday. Of course, I will have to take back any roo that may hatch as they can't keep them. I hope they have some pullets to keep.