lyd119 Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 Hi there, We have just started to get full egg laying capacity and one of our girls has just gone broody. She's been broody for about 3 days. she seems very happy to be broody and was really confused when we took her nest away so we gave it back to her. We are now thinking that she may as well do something whilst she's sitting there and not laying. However we don't have room for more than one more small hen (preferably a bantam), can you hatch just one egg or would the chick be lonely? thanks in advance for any help. Lydia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 A friend and I tried 2 eggs under each of her two broody orps. It didn't work. I think they need a clutch. And a single chick would be lonely anyway so we won't try it again. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 And not all eggs hatch, so she could sit for three weeks for nothing, or a cockeral. Also, it's getting a little late in the year for hatching. If you only want to add one hen, it might be a better idea to buy one next spring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 It is a bit late in the year to be thinking about hatching now IMHO. The weather will be turning very cold just as the broody will be ready to leave it, so it will be lonely, cold and vulnerable. I wouldn't risk it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Yes, I agree with Egluntine - too late really and it wouldn't be fair for her to sit on just one egg. If you keep removing any nest and pushing her off she should stop being broody quite quickly at this time of year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...