dance in the dark Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 So, as you may know, because I have had millions of questions, I am currently using my broody orpington to hatch to SL Wyandottes and today it day 16. Now, I as I understand it when using an incubator you stop turning and turn the humidty up and various other things when it gets to day 18, do I need to change what I do with her from that day? I have currently been letting her sit on the nest all day, then when I come home from work about 5.30/6pm, I take her out of my main hen area and let her wander around with me, give her some corn, practically force her to have a drink, and encourage her to do a poo by letting her flutter down to the ground from about knee height, which normally works.and wait for her to start freaking out, trying to get back to her nest. So basically, for the last three days should I just let her sit? Or should I continue to lift her off the nest until they day they hatch? She has never come off the nest by choice, not even once!So I need to know how I should act for the last few days of pre-natal care Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 The general advice is to leave them to it from day 18. You could leave some grain soaked in water within reach of her, she might take some in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Thanks eglutyne, I am really glad I asked as I couldn't find a proper answer anywhere. I shall leave her to it. Should I also put out chick crumb for her? Or should I wait till chicks are hatched to pop that out. I know they don't need feeding for the first day or so, but I wondered if I should get her used to eating chick crumbs so she knows to show the chicks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I'd wait till the chicks hatch. She won't need any encouragement then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Does her appetite come back with an absolute vengence? I hope so as she has lost so much weight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 It will, and the chick crumbs will help build her up again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I put mine into lock down on day 18 with chick crumb and water then I try to not to disturb them until I here the first chick cheeping just a quick look in 2 or 3 times a day to make sure alls right in broody world thats weather permiting as my broody coop has a roof door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabel Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I really admire your self-control SJP ... next time I shall be more disciplined!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I really admire your self-control SJP ... next time I shall be more disciplined!! you missed the key word try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I left my broody to it from day 1 21 days later 4 healthy fluffy little chicks mummy broody is doing an amazing job of bringing up and teaching her little chicks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 16, 2012 Share Posted May 16, 2012 Apart from booting them off the nest for a comfort break up till day 18 I never interfere either. Mother nature knows best in these matters I reckon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted May 16, 2012 Author Share Posted May 16, 2012 Yes I mostly have let her get on with it (poo/dinner/drink outings aside) like I say I have been doing it in the evening, but I always open her coop door in the morning, just in case she wants to come out, and check she is alive, I get the swell of indignation and a bit of general clucking, but since today is day 17 I guess from tomorrow, that is it, LOCKDOWN! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
