4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[ross81]

I have had a broody silkie for a few days now i went to wernlas this morning and got some hatching eggs. she has been sitting on some ceramic eggs but today i moved her to a broody coop with the eggs i got. she is out in the run and doesn,t seem to want to sit on the eggs any advice would be great. should i put her back in the cube and put the eggs under her there? but i have 5 other hens in there

 

Thanks in advance

[atsw]

A couple of pointers for you.

 

Hatching eggs need to 'rest' for 24hrs before going under your broody hen. They should be stored 'pointy end' down in an egg box at room temperature and away from any drafts. Don't put them in a fridge!

 

You should pop the eggs under your broody in the early evening. She is much less likely to get up and wander around at that time of day.

 

Set up a temporary nesting area in a quiet corner, physically isolated from the other hens. She will need feed and water. Be sure to allow enough room for her to get off the nest to relieve herself—if you do so, a good broody usually has the instinct not to foul the nest.

 

There's two really useful guides to raising chicks under a broody in this post.

 

Andrew

[ross81]

Thanks Andrew the eggs were rested by wernlas before i picked them up and stored pointy end down i asked them this and asked if they should be ok to put under the broody or would have to rest again and i was told there is no need to rest again. thanks for the advice but i need to know if i should leave her in the broody coop or put her back in the cube thanks

[tom123]

Broody Coop. I would put the eggs in the nest and shut the door with the hen inside, she will sit back on them. Leave her in their with food and water for a day then let her out for a poo and exercise and then make sure she gets back on, shut the door behind her.

 

What breeds are they?

 

Good Luck

Tom

[ross81]

thanks tom

 

I have 5 cream legbar eggs and 3 silver laced wyandotte

 

thanks again will try this

[atsw]

Toms advise is spot on. It's what I did with my broody and it worked a treat.

 

Today (day 3 for me) I opened the door for her, she came out of her own accord, stretched her legs and wings, had a preen and a poo, exchanged clucks and borks with the other two hens on the other side of the fence and then returned to the nest after 15 mins.

 

Andrew