1st time with a Broody Hen

[StarLightFarms]

My broody hen just hatched some chicks. I can hear them underneath her but haven't seen them yet. She did have 6 eggs last time I was able to check. She's very protective and doesn't let me get near her when she's in the nest box. Because of this I never moved her and the eggs. Just wondering if I should move her and her chicks to our smaller empty coop so that she is away from our roosters and other hens. I haven't had a hen hatch eggs before.

 

[Bonkerelli]

My broody hen just hatched some chicks. I can hear them underneath her but haven't seen them yet. She did have 6 eggs last time I was able to check. She's very protective and doesn't let me get near her when she's in the nest box. Because of this I never moved her and the eggs. Just wondering if I should move her and her chicks to our smaller empty coop so that she is away from our roosters and other hens. I haven't had a hen hatch eggs before.

Hi there and welcome BYC! Congrats on your new babies. Assuming when you say she doesn't let you near her is by pecking you?

 

[Buckingham Palace]

If she is pecking you when you come near. You could try wearing gloves if you want to check under her.

 

[Bonkerelli]

My broody hen just hatched some chicks. I can hear them underneath her but haven't seen them yet. She did have 6 eggs last time I was able to check. She's very protective and doesn't let me get near her when she's in the nest box. Because of this I never moved her and the eggs. Just wondering if I should move her and her chicks to our smaller empty coop so that she is away from our roosters and other hens. I haven't had a hen hatch eggs before.

Last year I had this issue and it is nice for the new momma and babies have their own area. I had them in the coop with the other chickens but in a separate area. My flock is well tempered so I didn't have any issues. Depending on your flock, you could leave them in there or separate them completely. Try moving her or looking at the chicks at night. Chickens are calmer when it's bed time. Chickens have amazing maternal instinct, so you shouldn't have to interfere too much. Could leave some water and chick food near where they are at.

 

[StarLightFarms]

Hi there and welcome BYC! Congrats on your new babies. Assuming when you say she doesn't let you near her is by pecking you?

Yes she pecks and makes a growling noise

 

[HumbleAmerican]

I’ve always let my broody do as she wishes. Sounds like she is ornery enough to keep the flock at bay.

 

[StarLightFarms]

I’ve always let my broody do as she wishes. Sounds like she is ornery enough to keep the flock at bay.

That's what I thought because I had another hen laying on eggs but one day I went in and a few were smashed and then she stopped laying on them. This one seems like she will protect them. Just mostly worried about them in the nest box because she's in a top one which is quite high

 

[WhySayWhat]

That's what I thought because I had another hen laying on eggs but one day I went in and a few were smashed and then she stopped laying on them. This one seems like she will protect them. Just mostly worried about them in the nest box because she's in a top one which is quite high

Since they aren't at ground level, I would definitely move them. If you can move them to a secure second coop that is still within sight, that would be better than waiting for them to fall from the nestbox and possibly not survive the fall.

 

[StarLightFarms]

Since they aren't at ground level, I would definitely move them. If you can move them to a secure second coop that is still within sight, that would be better than waiting for them to fall from the nestbox and possibly not survive the fall.

Ok that's what I was thinking. Also wondering about food for them. I don't have any chick feed on hand, when will they need food.

 

[HumbleAmerican]

Mine regularly nest in boxes about chest high. No issues. She will take them off the nest and find a secondary site to sit each evening.