Broody Had Secret Nest

[KFox]

When deep-cleaning our coop, we noticed that one of the hens had started a nest. We cleared this nest out but we didn't realize she had stolen other eggs and had a secret nest. We have a few small dog houses in our chicken coop or chicken shed. She had stolen a bantam egg and a couple regular sized eggs and has been sitting on them. Tonight, the bantam egg hatched. It is the cutest little chick! She has two more regular size eggs in there too. She is taking very good care of the chick. The other eggs are very heavy.

This coop is shared with other chickens. Will the others want to hurt the baby chick? If so, should I move the entire dog house and move it to a safer location? Also, how long should I wait for the other two eggs to hatch--or should I even be worried about it?

She seems to have the situation under control so I don't want to step in and move her if I don't need to. I don't want the little one falling out or other chickens beating it either. So...any suggestions?

 

[poultrycrazy711]

Other hens/roosters may or may not deliberately try to hurt the chick. Some may just not realize its a chick and think its a mouse and peck it to death. Chicken eggs usually hatch about 6-12 hours in between each other. I would let her sit on the rest of the eggs for another day or two. If none of the eggs hatch then, it is ideal to move her away from the flock in a closed pen away from any drafts. Make sure she has plenty of feed and water in her enclosure (add more cracked corn to her feed to help fatten up her brood pouch on her breast to help keep the chick(s) warm). Good luck and enjoy the chick(s)!

 

[CarolJ]

My broody hatched her first chicks less than two weeks ago - and the chicks and broody have been in the pen with the other chicks since they hatched. The broody protects the babies, and the other chickens (30+) know better than to bother them. Mama hens are fiercely protective!

 

[KFox]

None of the other eggs have hatched. All are very heavy. She took her single chick on a field trip out of her secret nest. She didn't leave the coop with the chick but I moved her. I moved the whole box, nest included.

Her little chick is adorable! It is always under her wing and it's so odd looking. She is an Orpington and the baby is a bantam mix.

 

[KFox]