brambles Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Hi all, I've searched the forum and read great advice on what many of you experienced hands ahve done before. I'm new to the broody thing though, so need it explained easily to me what amendments to make ton my eglu classic! My broody Cochin is sitting on practise eggs in straw in the eglu. The fertiles are bring collected tomorrow from a friend an hours drive away and I'll set them either sat night or sun morning. Do I need to adapt the eglu yet? I'm confused as to whether to remove the bars, or fill the nest box with aubiose. Argggh! Can I clean the area or change the straw whilst she's sitting or do I just leave it? I'm worried that if I move the eggs things will go wrong! There is food and water currently balancing in containers on the bars next to the nest area. Guide me oh wise ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 She probably won't poo in the nest, mine comes off and into the run to do a massive poo every couple of days. Take the roosting bars out now and put aubiose down. Put the food and water just outside the eglu in the run, she will eat when she wants to. I would take the straw out and just use aubiose - straw is not ideal for chicks as they try to eat it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brambles Posted April 1, 2011 Author Share Posted April 1, 2011 Great thanks. Do I fill the nest with aubiose? Obviously th chicks are not due yet, but I read about them having trouble with the nest box lip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I think someone else said to fill the base with aubiose so it is level with the nest box (you don't need to do this until they are nearly ready to hatch) then they should be able to negotiate it - they won't leave the elgu for a few days until Mum tells them and then you could put a small step or ramp into the run for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brambles Posted April 1, 2011 Author Share Posted April 1, 2011 oK, so I'll swap the straw in the nestbox for aubiose tomorrow (I take it it'll be easier to poo pick whilst she's having food and drink). The eggs will go in later. I'll sort the rest of it when it's closer to hatch time as currently her corn and water are in front of her and she's eating and drinking well from that. I think our local supplier's run out of aubiose, so it's most likely to be hemcore, which I believe is similar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Sounds good You need to take the food and water out when the chicks hatch anyway as they need to live off the yolk for at least 24 hours anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Actually chicks may be thirsty. It is hard work breaking out of a shell. Mummy hen will show them where the water is usually - but please make sure it is shallow & preferably with marbles in! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brambles Posted April 1, 2011 Author Share Posted April 1, 2011 ok. Broodywatch has definitely commenced now as she has been in the broody house for two days. I'm glad you lot are there to hold my hand through this one!! I hope my friend's flock have been merrily running with the cockrel and that the Welsh hillside hasn't been too cold & put him off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hennyjenny Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Thank you for this question and all the advice. My hen has been broody for 2 days too and have put some eggs under her today so fingers crossed. I haven't done it before either. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brambles Posted April 2, 2011 Author Share Posted April 2, 2011 WEll the eggs are settling, having got back from wales this afternoon. We'll set them under her late tonight as they're fresh from the hens on the welsh hillside this afternoon. Hope they come out like some of their prettier flock aunties! Broody got a bit confused as we've put aubiose into the eglu nest box and surrounding areas. Found her sitting on the bars with one practice egg rolled under her. Hopefully she'll get the hang of it later tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 No harm in adding a bit of straw if that is what she is comfortable with, you can always pick it out later. Anyway don't listen to me - I'm on day 22 with my broody (with good proven fertility eggs) and nothing has happened She has been a brilliant mum (pekin x silkie) and didn't even leave the nest to eat or drink unless i lifted her off. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a late hatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brambles Posted April 2, 2011 Author Share Posted April 2, 2011 Fingers crossed for you. I did pop a bit of straw on top of the aubiose. Just put a dozen eggs under her, so fingers crossed. Will be refreshing the water in the nest area daily and leave her to work her magic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
