[janeheritage]

Hello folks.

My Light Sussex hybrid Ethel has been sitting tight for 2 weeks now (see earlier post "Ethel's broody box". But alas, on candling tonight all the eggs look clear.

I'd like to get her some day olds and have feelers out to a number of suppliers in my area. I have searched the site for info on introducing them and have what seem like the basics, but if anyone can offer any more experience on how to make a successful introduction most likely I'd be grateful.

Words of wisdom?  :blink:

[Vember]

As i said in your other post, it all depends on the hen

In my opinion best done afternoon/evening when you can study her actions
Keep some dud eggs under her.
Keep the chicks out of sight but so that she can hear them listen to what she does, if she starts purring and gentle rosey then pop one under her and remove one egg
If she accepts it then pop another under her and again remove an egg. If she continues to purr an cluck then hopefully all should be well

Oh and keep her in her house for the rest of that day, don't be tempted to let her out at all

Have a box and some form of heat source on standby just in case

Good Luck

Sarah

[Kate and her Ducks]

I followed Sarah's advice (well most of it) and my broody duck has turned into the most fantastic mum to 4 foster ducklings. I let mine out too early the next day (so they hadn't had a full 24 hours) and that was a mistake as they hadn't quite fully bonded yet and all got very stressed as Mum left and freaked out that they weren't with her and they freaked out that she had left them but Sally couldn't get them to follow her and they were too scared and not bonded enough to follow her. All worked the next moring just fine!

[karlooben]

only thing i can say here is good luck