My Cochin is currently broody and sits on her eggs constantly. I used to think I scared her out of the nest when I opened the door but she only got up to eat. She stayed in her nest while I cleaned the coop and she stayed in her nest during ranging time. My Cochin has been like this for a few days now. Raising a few more chicks has crossed my mind. We lost our beloved buckeye, penny, and we had to get rid of our rooster too. At first I thought my hen could hatch her eggs since they are still fertile, but I don't want to hatch roosters and have to get rid of more chickens. I then thought about ordering a couple chicks. I read that for their first few hours after shipping I should give them time to rest. Then I can introduce them to my broody chicken by putting them under her belly. I do have 4 other hens in the coop. Will they try and hurt the chicks? Is hatching a boy chick a 50/50 chance? Do I need to provide chick starter, or will mama take care of it?
