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Science Forum Index » Agriculture - Poultry Forum » how broody is broody?
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| 0tterbot |
 Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:29 am |
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Guest
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hello,
i was hoping for some quick help if possible!
my game hens go broody from time to time & normally i just keep tickling
their tails or giving them a gentle shove every time i see them still
sitting, & they get off the nest & go about their business. they are flighty
& dislike being touched, so they're happier to leave than stay under those
circumstances. later on they're back on again, but after 3-5 days they've
always given up entirely, which is good as we have no rooster, so there's no
point.
this time bunce, my big-boss isa brown, has gone broody & it's been 4 days
but she's getting more, not less, committed, it seems. at first a gentle
shove would get her up (eventually) & she'd go & eat, but this afternoon she
was NOT budging. i'm going to have to lift her off to get her to go. she
seems to have dug her heels in about this. (she's like that <g>.)
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile eggs the next time i
had a broody. tonight i rang the only number i have, but no go there.
what would you do? my neighbour has a rooster & so has fertile eggs - should
i ask her for some? (her chooks are mostly isas as well, but some of them
are black & white, so they can't be isas - & i'm really not sure what the
rooster is. is it worth getting fertile eggs if you're not 100% sure
yourself what they are/how they will come out? (not that i'm sure she'd be
able to give me any, mind you - all i could do would be to ask).
or, might any of the australians have the number of a breeder who sells
fertile eggs this time of year?
or, should i just get bunce off that nest & on with her life? the other hens
are a bit at odds because she's not available to boss them about, & so have
been hanging around in the house with her quite a bit. she's a frightful old
tramp really but they're used to her. but is it a Bad Thing for the boss hen
to be out of circulation for weeks & then to have chicks?
what should i do? any advice appreciated! thanks.
kylie |
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| enigma |
| Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:29 am |
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Guest
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"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in
news:IvwHh.8303$8U4.7395@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
Quote: "Jill" <news@NOSPAMkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:45ee8cd2$0$8727$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
0tterbot wrote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile
eggs the next time i had a broody. tonight i rang the
only number i have, but no go there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if you
can usefully use the offspring - freezer or 4H project
4 h project?
American kids farming clubs. some raise chickens, or pigs or
whatever. some doing craft projects.
lee
--
Question with boldness even the existence of god; because if
there be
one, he must more approve the homage of reason than that of
blindfolded
fear. - Thomas Jefferson |
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| Jill |
| Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:59 am |
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Guest
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0tterbot wrote:
Quote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile eggs the next
time i had a broody. tonight i rang the only number i have, but no go
there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if you can usefully use
the offspring - freezer or 4H project or such; Rather than spend good money
on eggs which may get wasted.
ISA's don't have broodiness as a particular trait - there are individuals
that will do all the Mom thing but quite a lot are happy to sit for a week,
2 weeks, or, even more frustrating, 19 days and then just up and leave. Its
like they don't really understand what and why!!!!!
The other problem is " is it going to be too hot?"
Eggs can get literally overcooked if the temperature is too hot and the
broody is not canny about getting off a lot.
--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk |
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| 0tterbot |
| Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:31 am |
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Guest
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"Jill" <news@NOSPAMkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:45ee8cd2$0$8727$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
Quote: 0tterbot wrote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile eggs the next
time i had a broody. tonight i rang the only number i have, but no go
there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if you can usefully use
the offspring - freezer or 4H project
4 h project?
or such; Rather than spend good money
Quote: on eggs which may get wasted.
do you mean, ask my neighbour if she has any?  if we end up with chicks,
that would be cool. i want them to be layers, but (particularly since 7 of
them are still not laying!!!) they are actually a gardening tool. they
process my straw & make poo for me, so they don't have to be world-beating
layers or anything.
Quote: ISA's don't have broodiness as a particular trait - there are individuals
that will do all the Mom thing but quite a lot are happy to sit for a
week, 2 weeks, or, even more frustrating, 19 days and then just up and
leave. Its like they don't really understand what and why!!!!!
i truly never expected an isa to go broody - they just don't seem the type
(?!) (especially obnoxious old bunce). but, there you have it. i really
can't say if she'll stick with it nor if she'd do a good job, but as i said
she seems to be growing more, rather than less, committed to the idea. every
day i take her new egg away & i'm just wondering what to do.
Quote: The other problem is " is it going to be too hot?"
Eggs can get literally overcooked if the temperature is too hot and the
broody is not canny about getting off a lot.
the weather's cooled down. it's quite comfy under a big fluffy hen at the
moment 
thank you.
kylie |
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| Jill |
| Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:20 am |
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Guest
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0tterbot wrote:
Its a student thing in the US; didn't know if you had something similar
Quote:
the weather's cooled down. it's quite comfy under a big fluffy hen at
the moment
Whats the autumn like - if you have pretty temperate conditions for her to
raise chicks in until they are young adults in 16 weeks time then go for
it --- and let us know how you get on!
--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk |
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| FarmI |
| Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:38 am |
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Guest
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"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in message
Quote: this time bunce, my big-boss isa brown, has gone broody & it's been 4 days
but she's getting more, not less, committed, it seems. at first a gentle
shove would get her up (eventually) & she'd go & eat, but this afternoon
she was NOT budging. i'm going to have to lift her off to get her to go.
she seems to have dug her heels in about this. (she's like that <g>.)
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile eggs the next time i
had a broody. tonight i rang the only number i have, but no go there.
what would you do? my neighbour has a rooster & so has fertile eggs -
should i ask her for some?
I'd do that in your situation. You can't lose anything by asking and paying
for eggs for an unproven broody could be a complete waste of time and
effort. You may not get purebreds but I like mongrel chooks anyway. I
think they are better for a farm situation.
Quote: or, might any of the australians have the number of a breeder who sells
fertile eggs this time of year?
You could have a look in the "Australasian Poultry" mag in the newsagents or
ring Megg Miller at "Earth Garden" (who is also heavily involved, editor
perhaps, of the Aust'n Poultry mag) she'd possibly be able to help - 03 5792
4000.
Quote: or, should i just get bunce off that nest & on with her life? the other
hens are a bit at odds because she's not available to boss them about, &
so have been hanging around in the house with her quite a bit. she's a
frightful old tramp really but they're used to her. but is it a Bad Thing
for the boss hen to be out of circulation for weeks & then to have chicks?
A strong mother of chicks is good ime. But don't expect a lot from an Isa
)
Can't tell that I don't like them can you? |
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| enigma |
| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 4:48 am |
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"Amy Blankenship" <Amy_nospam@magnoliamultimedia.com> wrote
in news:ujdIh.12835$68.11686@bignews8.bellsouth.net:
Quote:
"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in message
news:xX9Ih.9072$8U4.8532@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
"enigma" <enigma@evil.net> wrote in message
news:Xns98EC66D95CC9enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...
"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in
news:IvwHh.8303$8U4.7395@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
"Jill" <news@NOSPAMkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:45ee8cd2$0$8727$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net.
..
0tterbot wrote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile
eggs the next time i had a broody. tonight i rang the
only number i have, but no go there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if
you can usefully use the offspring - freezer or 4H
project
4 h project?
American kids farming clubs. some raise chickens, or pigs
or whatever. some doing craft projects.
oh? schools which do ag/primary production just have their
own animals, in my state.
kylie
4H is a private thing, sort of like boy/girl scouts. In my
state, it is closely connected to the extension service.
yes, in my state also. and the various clubs are run by
parents usually, so that one might have to travel quite a
distance to find one that related to one's child's interests
(or start one yourself). the only chicken related 4H here i've
found is, oh, an hour & a half drive away. it does look like a
really nice one though.
most common nearby are horsey girls (i don't know any 4H
horse clubs that have any boys) or crafty clubs, which are
primarily girls once they get past 8 year olds.
i'd love to get Boo into either a chicken 4H club, or a drover
club. the drover clubs seem to be slightly older boys though.
10 & up.
lee
--
Question with boldness even the existence of god; because if
there be
one, he must more approve the homage of reason than that of
blindfolded
fear. - Thomas Jefferson |
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| 0tterbot |
| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:39 am |
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| 0tterbot |
| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:39 am |
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"enigma" <enigma@evil.net> wrote in message
news:Xns98EC66D95CC9enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...
Quote: "0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in
news:IvwHh.8303$8U4.7395@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
"Jill" <news@NOSPAMkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:45ee8cd2$0$8727$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
0tterbot wrote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile
eggs the next time i had a broody. tonight i rang the
only number i have, but no go there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if you
can usefully use the offspring - freezer or 4H project
4 h project?
American kids farming clubs. some raise chickens, or pigs or
whatever. some doing craft projects.
oh? schools which do ag/primary production just have their own animals, in
my state.
kylie |
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| 0tterbot |
| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:49 am |
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Guest
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"FarmI" <ask@itshall be given> wrote in message
news:45eea452$0$31055$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
Quote: "0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in message
this time bunce, my big-boss isa brown, has gone broody & it's been 4
days but she's getting more, not less, committed, it seems. at first a
gentle shove would get her up (eventually) & she'd go & eat, but this
afternoon she was NOT budging. i'm going to have to lift her off to get
her to go. she seems to have dug her heels in about this. (she's like
that <g>.)
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile eggs the next time
i had a broody. tonight i rang the only number i have, but no go there.
what would you do? my neighbour has a rooster & so has fertile eggs -
should i ask her for some?
I'd do that in your situation. You can't lose anything by asking and
paying for eggs for an unproven broody could be a complete waste of time
and effort. You may not get purebreds but I like mongrel chooks anyway.
I think they are better for a farm situation.
or, might any of the australians have the number of a breeder who sells
fertile eggs this time of year?
You could have a look in the "Australasian Poultry" mag in the newsagents
or ring Megg Miller at "Earth Garden" (who is also heavily involved,
editor perhaps, of the Aust'n Poultry mag) she'd possibly be able to
help - 03 5792 4000.
thanks! (isn't megg miller at "grass roots" not "earth garden"?)
Quote: or, should i just get bunce off that nest & on with her life? the other
hens are a bit at odds because she's not available to boss them about, &
so have been hanging around in the house with her quite a bit. she's a
frightful old tramp really but they're used to her. but is it a Bad Thing
for the boss hen to be out of circulation for weeks & then to have
chicks?
A strong mother of chicks is good ime.
on this note, i'm becoming frustrated by the others more than i am by her.
she gets off to do things from time to time it appears, but (most of) the
others aren't eating much because they're hanging around with HER. her
lieutenants are living a normal life outside, but the underlings are just
hanging in the henhouse with their resident dictator. i think they have
stockholm syndrome <g>
But don't expect a lot from an Isa
Quote: )
Can't tell that I don't like them can you?
how could you not like them!!! they're just lovely, imo. really calm &
personable & truly adorable. bunce is the exception that proves the rule
about adorability and personability<g>, but even so, she is pretty good
about things with the humans - i just wouldn't want to be a hen in her
flock.
not to be anthropomorphic (while we're on the subject) but this afternoon
when i was doing egg-check under her, i swear she was trying to sit on my
hand to thwart me. when that failed, (this is true) she turned her rear end
around & did a massive poo, which _just_ missed me. then sat down again.
dismissed!!
kylie |
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| Jill |
| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 7:01 am |
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Guest
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0tterbot wrote:
Quote: "enigma" <enigma@evil.net> wrote in message
news:Xns98EC66D95CC9enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...
"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in
news:IvwHh.8303$8U4.7395@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
"Jill" <news@NOSPAMkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:45ee8cd2$0$8727$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
0tterbot wrote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile
eggs the next time i had a broody. tonight i rang the
only number i have, but no go there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if you
can usefully use the offspring - freezer or 4H project
4 h project?
American kids farming clubs. some raise chickens, or pigs or
whatever. some doing craft projects.
oh? schools which do ag/primary production just have their own
animals, in my state.
Believe it or not I have had folks email me for free hatching eggs for their
schools 4H project
--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk |
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| Amy Blankenship |
| Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:30 am |
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Guest
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"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in message
news:xX9Ih.9072$8U4.8532@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
Quote: "enigma" <enigma@evil.net> wrote in message
news:Xns98EC66D95CC9enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...
"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in
news:IvwHh.8303$8U4.7395@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
"Jill" <news@NOSPAMkintaline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:45ee8cd2$0$8727$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
0tterbot wrote:
but, i had been intending to quickly buy some fertile
eggs the next time i had a broody. tonight i rang the
only number i have, but no go there.
I would suggest you trial her first with some eggs if you
can usefully use the offspring - freezer or 4H project
4 h project?
American kids farming clubs. some raise chickens, or pigs or
whatever. some doing craft projects.
oh? schools which do ag/primary production just have their own animals, in
my state.
kylie
4H is a private thing, sort of like boy/girl scouts. In my state, it is
closely connected to the extension service. |
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| enigma |
| Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 3:34 am |
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Guest
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"0tterbot" <spl@t.com> wrote in
news:ROPIh.9775$8U4.974@news-server.bigpond.net.au:
Quote: "enigma" <enigma@evil.net> wrote in message
news:Xns98EE63CE51BF9enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...
i'd love to get Boo into either a chicken 4H club, or a
drover club. the drover clubs seem to be slightly older
boys though. 10 & up.
is droving the same as here, i.e. people who move stock
from one place to another during drought?
no, it's people who work with oxen here, although droving
*is* moving stock from place to place too.
lee
--
Question with boldness even the existence of god; because if
there be
one, he must more approve the homage of reason than that of
blindfolded
fear. - Thomas Jefferson |
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| 0tterbot |
| Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 4:17 am |
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"enigma" <enigma@evil.net> wrote in message
news:Xns98EE63CE51BF9enigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9...
Quote: i'd love to get Boo into either a chicken 4H club, or a drover
club. the drover clubs seem to be slightly older boys though.
10 & up.
is droving the same as here, i.e. people who move stock from one place to
another during drought?
kylie who is thinking this doesn't sound likely. |
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