FEATHERED FRIENDS | Breed<strong>in</strong>g tips BACKYARD BROODIES There are a few th<strong>in</strong>gs you need to know if you’re go<strong>in</strong>g to let your broody hens become mums 72 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Breed<strong>in</strong>g tips | FEATHERED FRIENDS Words Megg Miller Now that <strong>in</strong>cubators are <strong>in</strong>expensive, many backyarders borrow or buy one. It’s fun check<strong>in</strong>g on the eggs as they develop but once the chicks hatch, the work really starts. When you live a busy lifestyle, a broody hen that has a good record for sitt<strong>in</strong>g tight on the eggs and then car<strong>in</strong>g for the chicks diligently is worth gold. When hens go broody Traditional breeds of fowl lay eggs <strong>in</strong> clutches. Essentially, they lay a sequence of eggs and then stop for a rest. The Silkie will lay between 10 and 16 eggs and take a rest, while the Light Sussex could lay 25–35 eggs before rest<strong>in</strong>g. Nature <strong>in</strong>tends these traditional fowl to set on a clutch and hatch it, so the number of eggs laid has a bear<strong>in</strong>g on the clutch size a hen can cover. A clutch of eggs can beg<strong>in</strong> and f<strong>in</strong>ish at any time of year, but most hens start to go broody from late spr<strong>in</strong>g onwards. Would you be able to recognise a broody hen? She is likely to have commandeered the nest box, fluff<strong>in</strong>g out her feathers to look large and <strong>in</strong>timidat<strong>in</strong>g. Some circumstances <strong>in</strong>crease the likelihood of brood<strong>in</strong>ess develop<strong>in</strong>g. High temperatures are a common trigger, along with a nest full of eggs. If the hen can sit without <strong>in</strong>terference, her immobility encourages prolact<strong>in</strong> to develop and this boosts brood<strong>in</strong>ess. Nests should be checked daily for eggs if brood<strong>in</strong>ess isn’t desired or the sett<strong>in</strong>g hen’s hot body will heat — and spoil — eggs for eat<strong>in</strong>g. Would you be able to recognise a broody hen? She is likely to have commandeered the nest box, fluff<strong>in</strong>g out her feathers to look large and <strong>in</strong>timidat<strong>in</strong>g. You can anticipate a cluckcluck sound and the hen is likely to peck if you attempt to steal the eggs. With some, it’s all show; others peck to hurt. Best broodies Not every hen develops brood<strong>in</strong>ess. It’s uncommon <strong>in</strong> white ear-lobed hens — breeds such as Ancona and Leghorn — and it’s rare <strong>in</strong> Hy-L<strong>in</strong>e Browns and ISAs. Most red ear-lobed breeds go broody but not all make good mums. Wyandottes are usually great and so are Pek<strong>in</strong> bantams. Game hens are good but overprotective. The Silkie is best of all, although her leg feathers may need to be trimmed to prevent entangled chicks. Where should hens set? You can be certa<strong>in</strong> your broody hen will choose an <strong>in</strong>appropriate site to sit. The communal nest box is unsuitable: neither the hen nor keeper will be able to keep track of which eggs are part <strong>in</strong>cubated and which are fresh. As well, it’s a stressful spot, as constant <strong>in</strong>terruptions stop broodies be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a meditative zone. A communal nest wouldn’t be safe or healthy for chicks hatch<strong>in</strong>g there. Many hens steal a nest, go bush or head to the haystack, the bike shed or other secretive places. Unfortunately, the fox isn’t fooled by their concealment and usually makes a meal of them. A safe shed/pen works best, but first you may need to persuade mother hen. Set up a nest on the floor that’s well l<strong>in</strong>ed with litter and pop some golf balls <strong>in</strong>. Collect the hen at night, dust her to elim<strong>in</strong>ate lice and northern fowl mite with Pestene or diatomaceous earth then place her on the golf balls. If the nest is <strong>in</strong> a box, drape a towel over the top. When henny wakes up <strong>in</strong> the morn<strong>in</strong>g, if the light is subdued by the towel, she will likely settle. Some hens are outraged at be<strong>in</strong>g moved, refus<strong>in</strong>g to set, hence the gentle persuasion. Next day, the hen should be allowed to leave the nest to dr<strong>in</strong>k, eat and defecate, but ensure she cannot leave the house/pen. If she does, she will return to her orig<strong>in</strong>al nest. Remember that foxes will prowl around sheds and smell a bird that’s on the ground with just a wall between. Ensure foxes cannot dig <strong>in</strong> or, if up north, that carpet snakes cannot squeeze <strong>in</strong>. Silkies make the best broodies of all <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 73
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