Bantam foster mom

[EdgeofAsheville]

My Silkie went broody and I let her sit on some fertilized eggs from my Isa Brown and my Easter Eggers. She’s the only bantam in my flock.
We’ve got one chick so far. Day 22 ( I think)
I’m worried because of the Silkie’s size she won’t be able to keep the big chickens out of the nesting box where she is with her 1 chick and the 3 remaining eggs.
1. Should I move her to separate her from rest of flock? ( I do have an outdoor run I can close off)
2. How long should I wait with the remaining eggs? I’ve never candled before. Any other signs that they are duds?
Thanks. This only my 2nd time with a broody hen and she was an Astrolorpe who could hold her own with the flock.

 

[NatJ]

Considering that it's now been several more days, I would probably give up on the remaining eggs.

Moving the hen and her chick would probably be fine, but you might not need to.
Yes, the silkie is small. But broody hens often get very mean, and big hens will often leave the broody alone. Whether this happens with your hens is something you would have to learn by watching them.

I’m worried because of the Silkie’s size she won’t be able to keep the big chickens out of the nesting box where she is with her 1 chick and the 3 remaining eggs.

Once she starts taking the chick out to eat and drink, it will not matter if the other hens go in the nest.