The Poultry Keeper

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1026 Location: Carmarthenshire

I've now got 2 Brahma bantams brooding 6 eggs each, they are sitting tight and won't move unless i move them. I go out once a day and make sure they have water and mixed corn (which I put in with them near the nestbox) and put them in the run (not together, each has their own broody ark and run), taking care not to get pecked. The problem is they don't do anything, just shout and swear loudly till I let them in again. I open the ark doors every morning so they have access to the run if they want all day but they don't move! I know not to move them from day 18. I just wish they would poo before they explode - they are eating the corn as I have to fill up every 2 days, I've only hatched with a broody once before and she obliged every day Laughing

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Sedgewort Bramble · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 408

Who told you not to move them from day 18.....bad idea.

Day 20 yes................poor things.

They're not machines........

Bob

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1026 Location: Carmarthenshire

Got your PM Bob but can't reply as for some reason whenever I PM anyone it gets sent to me not the person who it's for!!!!

Didn't know it was day 20, this is only the second time I've hatched with a broody and last time I followed what was said in my chook books - some say don't touch after day 17 and in others it says day 16!!!! But I'm more than happy to take more notice of the experts Smile

- I did have a 100% hatch last time but still wish I had had this forum to ask questions then, it would have saved a few sleepless nights! (plus the last broody did get off the nest herself every day).

I'm now lifting these off the nest and shut them out of the nestbox for 15 minutes in the morning and again in the afternoon whilst I fill up their water and corn but they just won't produce! They are more interested in shouting and swearing at me for shutting them out - how long would you shut them out for Bob? Yesterday I went away and left them to it for 15 mins but still nothing!!!!

PS - This is the first week - one has been sat for 5 days and the other 3.

Sedgewort Bramble · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 408

Just place a towel over the eggs and give the hen at least 25 minutes.
Some hens seem to have the sense to get off and sort themselves, other need to be forced off.
Where do you put the hen, when you take her off??

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1026 Location: Carmarthenshire

I have 2 broody arks with attatched runs so I put the hens in the runs and close the doors to the nestboxes. They can have a good scratch around on the grass and poop if they want - they just don't want!!!! I will do as you say and leave them out longer today. One thing, the broody arks are quite near each other - could this be the problem? We are quite exposed up here so put them near each other so I can put a large tarpaulin over both when it's really foul.

Sedgewort Bramble · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 408

If you're putting them on grass, thats about all you can do.
Just give them a bit longer..........heres hoping for a giant 'pile'.

Bob

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1026 Location: Carmarthenshire

Thanks Sedgewort - will keep you posted!!!

Chris Kurzfeld · Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1026 Location: Carmarthenshire

Eureeka!!!! They've been - kept them out a bit longer and they both did a rather large one each, they still swear at me but at least, I hope, they feel a bit better now! Laughing

Sedgewort Bramble · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 408

Great, I'm so relieved..................bet they are as well. Rolling Eyes

Bob

Woodburner · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 5:38 pm Post subject:

Chris, try deleting cookies. Solves all sorts of browser relataed probelms. Wink