[abd1964]

Hi, could anyone advise me what would be the best diet to feed a brooding hen. She is currently sitting on 13 eggs, and doing a fine job, despite many people telling me that many hens have lost the ability to rear their own chicks. Before she went broody she was free range, with barley and corn mix suppliment and a hand full of layers pellets. She now has a nice new coup of her own, away from the rest of the flock. We get her out once a day to give her a bowl of the above, and make sure she drinks, and let her wander around, whilst we turn her eggs, untill she wants to go back to her cluch. Should I be giving her a different diet, or just leave out the layers pellets.
Thanks for any advise.
Andy.

[joyfull]

both mine had mixed corn and layers mixed together (more of the corn than the layers)when sitting on eggs, although they didn't eat very much as they weren't very active apart from the mad run to do a poo and have a dust bath 

[Vember]

Hi Andy

Welcome to the Hen House

I'd just leave out the layers and she'll be fine

Sounds like your doing a great job

Can I ask why your turning the eggs though? The hen should be doing that

Sarah

[woodside farm]

She will turn the eggs herself.
Layers and corn are fine.

Michelle

[Hensington]

I usually switch to grain only for broodies.
Just a note about the diet when non broody, you say a handful of layers...it should really be the other way round. Layers with a handful of corn/barley as a treat.

[abd1964]

Hi Andy

Welcome to the Hen House

I'd just leave out the layers and she'll be fine

Sounds like your doing a great job

Can I ask why your turning the eggs though? The hen should be doing that

Sarah

Hi Sarah, I was advised to turn the eggs at least once a day, in case the hen had lost the instinct to turn them herself, just playing safe I guess.
Thanks for the email.
Andy.     

[woodside farm]

If the hen loses interest she will leave the eggs completely.

Michelle

[Vember]

I wouldn't bother, leave her to it
Turning once a day wouldn't be enough anyway, they need at least 3 turns although I go with 5 if in the non automatic incy

A broody does know what she's doing, I know & understand your thoughts but leave them she'll do a great job I'm sure

Sarah

[abd1964]

Thanks everyone, got it sorted now. Advice much appriciated.
Andy.