First time owners with broody hen

We just took her out and put chicken wire over the nesting box so she can't get back in and out the chicks (we had another one hatch!) in a cat box with her nest. She went straight into the cat box and sat on them which was a good sign! We have cornered off a large section of the coup for mum and chicks so they still have plenty of space outside of the cat box which they have free access too.

We are going to let them out with the flock once the chicks are a bit stronger and the weather has cleared up as it is wet and miserable here.

Thanks so much for your help!

don't leave them separate from the main flock for very long. As soon as everyone is dried off and up and about, 24-48 hours, let them mingle with the flock. At that point her hormones are the strongest. If she has been part of the flock, they know her. They think she has lost her mind, she is mean, and she has these crazy fluff balls following her, but for the most part, if you have enough space, she will keep herself between the flock and her chicks. I generally try and get down early in the morning and let the layers free range, just to give all some more space.

If you keep them separated for too long, the flock forgets the broody hen, and she has to defend herself, the chicks are left to their own. If they are part of the flock, with in a week, you will see the chicks under foot, perhaps getting a mind your manners peck, but an accepted member of the flock. Do add a couple of additional feed and water bowls. I often put feed under a pallet that has been raised a few inches off the ground, just to make sure they are getting enough.

Mrs K

We are planning to integrate them into the flock shortly. But we think we may have a slight problem. We have two chicks that are 2 days old and an egg that we can hear cheeping, but there are no cracks on the egg. Today when I checked on mum and the chicks she hadn't moved off her nest to take the chicks to the food or water. She had also gone to the bathroom in her nest. So we took the chicks out and cleaned the best and took them to the water and food and they had a bit of a nibble.
Do you think she is just sitting waiting for the last egg to hatch? Or is it possible for hens to stay broody and not leave the nest even after the chicks have hatched? We are a bit stressed being first time chicken owners.

layla93 said:

We are planning to integrate them into the flock shortly. But we think we may have a slight problem. We have two chicks that are 2 days old and an egg that we can hear cheeping, but there are no cracks on the egg. Today when I checked on mum and the chicks she hadn't moved off her nest to take the chicks to the food or water. She had also gone to the bathroom in her nest. So we took the chicks out and cleaned the best and took them to the water and food and they had a bit of a nibble.
Do you think she is just sitting waiting for the last egg to hatch? Or is it possible for hens to stay broody and not leave the nest even after the chicks have hatched? We are a bit stressed being first time chicken owners.

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If she can hear her baby peeping from inside that shell she is going to try and hatch it out. Generally speaking she should not simply stay broody as having actual babies to raise should trigger the instincts to get the babies out and start them learning chicken behaviors and chicken momma should be wanting to teach them.

Thanks, I guess I'll just keep visiting a couple of times a day to make sure the chicks have at least eaten and had some water. Hopefully it'll only be another day until this chick hatches from its egg. I hope it does. I have read about people assisting with the hatch but have read that within 24 hours of the chick cheeping they should begin cracking the egg so hopefully the little one won't be too far away.

layla93 said:

Thanks, I guess I'll just keep visiting a couple of times a day to make sure the chicks have at least eaten and had some water. Hopefully it'll only be another day until this chick hatches from its egg. I hope it does. I have read about people assisting with the hatch but have read that within 24 hours of the chick cheeping they should begin cracking the egg so hopefully the little one won't be too far away.

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It's hard waiting for that last one.

layla93 said:

Thanks, I guess I'll just keep visiting a couple of times a day to make sure the chicks have at least eaten and had some water. Hopefully it'll only be another day until this chick hatches from its egg. I hope it does. I have read about people assisting with the hatch but have read that within 24 hours of the chick cheeping they should begin cracking the egg so hopefully the little one won't be too far away.

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Do keep observing and make sure they have access to food an water. I know the waiting is hard but its the best thing you can do at the moment.

From the time they hatch to the time they don't need to eat and drink for the first time till around three days(72 hours). That amount of time usually gives the late hatchers time to hatch without mom leaving the nest. After that is when I would start to worry, but I haven't had to worry yet. I also do put out food and water for them, cause I never know when the hatch is done and mom will come off the nest.. This period of grace is the time they need to absorb the last of the yoke sack. It is also why hatcheries are able to ship chicks across the country.

I went to check on Helga and the chicks today and found that she had kicked the unhatched egg out of the nest and was wondering around with the other two chicks. When I held the egg it was cold and there was no chirping inside so unfortunately the little one didn't make it. Very sad, but that's nature I suppose.

The other two chicks looked very content and exploring. Except I noticed they were pecking at mums eyeballs which was a bit bazar. Anyway, thank you all so much for your help. Really appreciate it being a first time owner. This chicken stuff is serious business and hard work!

Bummer, must not have been strong enough to pip.
Eyeball pecking is normal for new chicks....'Ooooo, what's that shiny thing?!'....doesn't last long, they quickly realize it's not food and/or get pecked back.