6. Good Organic Gardening - November-December 2016 AvxHome.in

FEATHERED FRIENDS | Breeding tips
Choose the best eggs
Medium-sized, strong-shelled, ovate-shaped
eggs are the ones to set. Egg shape is
heritable, so pull out elongated or round eggs
as well as double-yolkers as they rarely hatch.
Reject extreme-sized ones as extra-large
eggs have poor hatchability, while small eggs
may hatch a couple of days early and cause
havoc for hen and owner.
Of course, if you are colour-conscious, you
may want to select for the brownest or bluest
shells, but the importance of size and shape
should not be overlooked.
How many to put under your hen? The rule
is that she should be able to cover all eggs —
there should be no signs of eggs peeping out
under her breast or flanks.
Hens turn the eggs frequently, rolling them
around so the outer eggs take a turn in the
centre and vice versa. If eggs are observable,
it’s likely the outer portion will chill and that
over 24 hours, all eggs will be exposed to cool
air. This is deleterious to a good hatch.
Broody care
Setting hens need to eat and drink and if they
don’t leave the nest may defecate over the eggs.
It’s important to check that these needs are
being managed. Leave food and water nearby in
case the hen prefers small snacks regularly.
If food is untouched, you will need to gently
lift the hen off the nest, checking that no eggs
are caught under her wings, and then firmly
(but not roughly) drop her on the ground
and stand aside. The dropping movement
stimulates a large, smelly poo that has been
saved up for days.
Broodies appreciate a puddle or wet area
— their feet must get very hot as they will
stand in the mud/water for some time. They
also appreciate a dust bath if this can be
arranged in the pen.
How long is permissible off the eggs? Some
hens gulp their food and return immediately,
while others may stay off the nest for 20–25
minutes. Forty-five minutes is too long and
henny needs guiding back.
Family care
Eggs can hatch from day 19 onwards
and, if you listen, you can hear the chicks
cheeping in the eggs and henny chirping
and urging them on. Most eggs will hatch
on day 21; any still unhatched by 23 days
should be composted.
Little chicks drown easily, so ensure their
water is in a shallow container with a few
large stones.
Chick starter provides a balanced ration,
although many people boil and mash eggs
mixed with diced parsley for a good start.
Keep the family enclosed for at least three
weeks, by which time chicks are strong and
smart enough to avoid predatory birds.
A final word on ectoparasites. These
pests multiply rapidly on a setting hen,
so it’s essential to dust the hen and nest
once during setting and on day 17 or 18.
Chicks quickly succumb to these irritating
or blood-sucking critters. Mother hen will
soon demonstrate dust bathing to her
brood, reducing infestation, but always
keep an eye on them.
Happy hatching and brooding.
You can be certain your
broody hen will choose
an inappropriate site to
sit. The communal nest
box is unsuitable.
Choose eggs to be hatched by shape,
size and, if it matters to you, colour
74 | Good Organic Gardening