Question re Broody

[OverWyreGrower]

We've got a broody welsummer sat firmly on 6 Barnvelder eggs (only day 2 of sitting on these, though she sat for a week on her own eggs) which is brill! She is in a rabbit hutch and has made a lovely snug nest in the sleeping compartment.

However, she doesn't seem to be eating or drinking at all. The food and water is within easy reach, but definitely hasn't been touched.

I've even lifted her (carefully) off and popped her at the other end of the hutch, and she has huffed indignantly and walked straight back onto the nest, right past the food etc.

Should I just leave her be, or try and coax her to eat?
It's the first time I've ever hatched anything, and I don't want to interfere too much!!

[RichmondHens]

Don't worry about her. She will get off in her own time. They usually sit for several days when they first get going before they decide to get off to feed etc. My Welsummer is doing the same - she's on 7 eggs in the nestbox of the main house as she disliked the broody coop and had a dicky fit when I transferred her! I shall move her when the eggs pip, if she gets that far.

Mine's been going on these eggs for 2 days too, so looks like we shall be hatching at the same time.

[walldanzig]

I would say the same not to worry if she is hungry and thirsty she will get something just keep an eye on her she should be ok

[RichmondHens]

Just to let you know OWG that my Welsummer gave up sitting today (day 20). Out of the original 7 eggs one disappeared (presumed broken) last weekend, then I found another squashed a few days ago. This morning found another squashed/dead chick in the nestbox with another hen sitting on top. Broody was out in the field seemingly not bothered about going back in. Whether there had been a scuffle I don't know (hazards of hatching in the nestbox I know) but I have removed the remaining 4 eggs and given them to my broody bantams to look after. I do not hold out much hope for them hatching as they have obviously taken a bit of a battering but we shall see.

We all learn by our mistakes. I won't be using that hen again.

Hope you fare better with yours OWG.

[OverWyreGrower]

Got my fingers crossed!

We're on day 18, and so far broody is still sat firmly on 5 eggs....

However, given that they are ebay eggs, and are too dark to candle, I've no idea whether they'll even hatch....

[jessmorris]

I had 6 eggs from ebay and 5 were viable....;-)

[RichmondHens]

Well all 4 eggs are now pipping. They are all under one of my LS bantams who is doing a good job of looking after them. I have wagged my finger at the Welsummer and told her what I think of her!

[RichmondHens]

3 chicks hatched fit and healthy. No 4 has gone silent so suspect has died. But considering the trampling and buffeting they got under the Welsummer am pleased we managed 3. Bless my little LS who has taken to her instant brood very happily.

[frias]

3 chicks hatched fit and healthy. No 4 has gone silent so suspect has died. But considering the trampling and buffeting they got under the Welsummer am pleased we managed 3. Bless my little LS who has taken to her instant brood very happily.

That's great news.

[RichmondHens]

Quick update: The 4th chick needed a little help but after removing some shell yesterday and releasing a leg and the head I left it overnight to see what would happen and this morning I have another cute fluffy standing up and cheeping with the others.

How goes it with yours OWG?

[OverWyreGrower]

Quick update: The 4th chick needed a little help but after removing some shell yesterday and releasing a leg and the head I left it overnight to see what would happen and this morning I have another cute fluffy standing up and cheeping with the others.

How goes it with yours OWG?

1 had hatched yesterday (day 20) when I got home from work. Lovely and fluffy and nice and warm under mum (and SO cute!). I got slightly hysterical yesterday, and ran all the way across the field back to the house to tell Mr OWG and I made him come out to see. It's our first actual hatch, as we've always bought chicks in.

Checked this morning and she is still sat firm on the other 4, so I'm hoping that more will have hatched when I get home from work today.

[Gro-Bag]

How exciting! I can't wait to see if I get some marans from the 6 eggs under my broody CL.