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A broody hen is a chicken that is inclined to sit on a nest of eggs in order to hatch them. Using a broody hen to hatch eggs is a natural and easy way to raise chicks without the use of an incubator. In this article, we'll discuss how to use a broody hen to hatch eggs and the steps you need to take to ensure a successful hatch.
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Identify a broody hen: A broody hen will typically show signs of wanting to sit on a nest, such as puffing up her feathers and staying on the nest for long periods of time. If you notice a hen displaying these behaviors, she may be a good candidate for hatching eggs.
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Provide a nest: A broody hen will need a comfortable and secure nest in which to lay her eggs. The nest should be clean, dry, and situated in a quiet and protected area.
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Collect eggs: Once you have identified a broody hen and provided her with a nest, you can begin collecting eggs for her to hatch. Make sure to collect the eggs at least once a day and to mark them with the date they were laid.
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Place eggs under the hen: Once the broody hen is settled in her nest, you can place the eggs under her. It's best to do this in the evening so that the hen can start sitting on them right away.
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Monitor the hen: A broody hen will spend most of her time sitting on the eggs, but she will need to leave the nest occasionally to eat, drink, and take a dust bath. Make sure to monitor the hen to ensure that she is able to take care of herself and the eggs.
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Turn the eggs: A broody hen will turn the eggs herself, but it's a good idea to turn them occasionally as well to ensure that all the eggs are getting an equal amount of heat and humidity.
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Incubation time: The incubation time for chickens is around 21 days.
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Chick care: Once the chicks hatch, the broody hen will care for them and teach them how to find food and water.
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Handling the chicks: It's important to handle the chicks gently and not to disturb the broody hen too much. This will help the chicks to bond with their mother and will ensure that they receive the best possible care.
In conclusion, using a broody hen to hatch eggs is a natural and easy way to raise chicks. By identifying a broody hen, providing her with a nest, collecting eggs, placing them under the hen, monitoring the hen and chicks, turning the eggs and providing proper care, you can ensure a successful hatch. It's important to monitor the broody hen and chicks and to handle them gently to ensure that they receive the best possible care.