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

[Poached]

hi all

 

i have a few questins about my broody when she actually starting to hatch

1.how long do i take her off the nest when she's incubating

2.does it effect the chicks if she gets taken off the nest for too short of time

3.do i take her off when the chicks are hatching

 

thanks

josh

[Chook n Boo Mum]

hi all

 

i have a few questins about my broody when she actually starting to hatch

1.how long do i take her off the nest when she's incubating - she should take herself off but Buffie didn't , so about 20 mins is fine for a poo, feed, drink & possibly a dustbath if she so wishes

2.does it effect the chicks if she gets taken off the nest for too short of time - I don't think so, she just won't get enough to eat & drink if she goes back too quickly...bad move in my book as Buffie nearly starved herself...we put a bowl of water & corn in the nestbox with her to snack on as she wanted to

3.do i take her off when the chicks are hatching - once she gets to day 19/20 leave her alone, if the eggs are pipping and cheeping they are on their way & need to stay warm & humid, conditions which Mum produces perfectly, leave her with a bowl of water & food that she can reach.

 

thanks

josh

 

Josh, I am by no means an expert, these are just my thoughts & findings based on my experience with Buffie & her brooding this summer....good luck with your chicks

 

Sha x

[Poached]

thanks sha

 

i let her out today[first time in two days]and she did the biggest poo ever it was bigger then joeys

 

 

josh

[Lewis]

She should take herself off for an eat, drink and poo each day, if she doesn't take her off for 20 mins once or twice a day. It won't harm the eggs, they will be ok for 20 mins.

Make sure she is eating, and you may want to dust her with Red Mite powder to stop her getting any unwanted visitors.

 

I'd think about putting her in the eglu in a shed to make sure the eggs and the hen is kept nice and warm and not in a draft. You may need to bring her and the chicks into the shed aswell as its so cold out and will probably get colder.