I have two hens that are broody… claiming eggs, setting, pecking me when I steal them from under their warm feather bellies. Since both of my roosters met their fate a month or more ago, I kept trying to explain to the hens that being broody was simply a waste of time. Neither believed me.
While talking with a neighbor, I asked if she had any roosters. “Two, “ she stated. Hhmmmmm.
When I mentioned my broody hens and lack of roosters, she offered me one. Then she went on that she wished her ducks would go broody, because she was getting plenty of eggs from them. I had hens. She had fertile eggs. Can you see where this is going?
Today I created a bit of a deception. I placed nine eggs under each hen. If things work out, my neighbor will get some ducklings and we’ll both get some chicks. I do not have any clue if this will work. I’ve only had one hen successfully raise chicks, and last year, though she set for a month, her eggs were bad, but perhaps my roosters weren’t any good. There’s so many things that can go wrong… but time will tell.
Where is the other hen and why isn’t she sitting on those eggs??? Do hens take time off? Hope this works out.
Maybe these girls will cooperate better if they listen to some classical music piped in!!! 🙂 I’ve heard that dairy cows actually love that! Your way is cheaper….hope it works.
Interesting plan. Hopefully we’ll see some chicks and ducklings.
Do keep us posted!
I hope it works out and you post pictures of the chicks and baby ducks.