Cold temp broody's?

[PhantomSlayer]

Everyone does this differently. I used to go to elaborate ways to keep them separate and really it turned out to be only extra unappreciated work for me.

Granted I have space, and I frequently hatch a few. And I do not count my chicks until they hatch.

What you need to consider is once they dry off, they are strong. Strong enough to be mailed somewhere. Until they dry off, they are under the hen.

Their movement under the hen flips the broody hormone from passive sitting into high alert. The older the chicks become, the weaker this hormone is. A lot of people separate them for their protection but really you don’t need to. People get into a wreck, keeping them separate from the flock, and then trying to put them in as strangers into the flock.

Anymore, all I do is put fresh bedding in the coop day 18-19. Everyone says 21 days, but often mine hatch a bit before that. The fresh bedding will allow her to leave the nest and make a clean nest.

Leaving her alone to do it her way actually works pretty good.

I know for sure I'll have to remove the nesting boxes after their done hatching. Theres not enough room for both boxes. When I built the barrier I didn't take into account having 2 broodies at one time lol. Yeah I've heard many stories where when it comes to broodies day 18 is usually the first hatching day. I thought about banding the chicks legs to tell whose is who but I'm 100% sure that would just cause more issues so I've given up that idea lol. Let nature be. I can't switch the whole flock to starter feed thats why I'm trying to keep them separated. I have heard some dont bother switching their feed anyways and seem to do fine but I'd rather try keeping the chicks on starter feed only as long as possible.

 

[aart]

I can't switch the whole flock to starter feed thats why I'm trying to keep them separated.

But you could. I have never fed anything but flock raiser(about the same nutrients as starter). I keep OS out for the active layers, but the non layers(males, chicks, molting hens) don't eat it.

 

[Mrs. K]

I can't always get flock raiser - so my whole flock goes to chick starter, with oyster shell on the side.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

It's better I don't explain why I can't switch their food because its alot of BS drama. Lets just say the broodies are unnoticed. Someone doesn't notice 2 out of 4 Black Australorps are missing after almost 2 weeks. Doesn't even ask. And yes I will be covering starter feed costs so theres no reason for that someone to be dramatic about paying for extra food that I've been covering for almost half a year already and I have a backup for any chicks that cannot be kept or rehomed.

Though I will be trying to keep a few pullets if there are any. And after this hoping no hens go broody until atleast our goose starts laying cause then they can just hatch goslings that we can sell.