Broody Hen -1, me-0

[chicChickChick]

Neighbor boy didn’t gather all the eggs while we were out of town and I now have a broody hen with eggs that look to be about 5-7 days developed.

We’re going to let her set.

One problem: the nesting box is about four feet off the ground.

What do I do? Move her and the eggs? Hope to be there when they hatch so they don’t fall and die? Assume the rickety ramp will be sufficient?

TIA

 

[sourland]

You could always close up the nest temporarily with wire when the chicks start to hatch. Once the hatch is complete you could move the hen and chicks to a raising area.

 

[chicChickChick]

Good idea.

Stupid question- what about the momma getting food and water the ?

 

[SueT]

I have had similar situation on 3 occasions, with a nest 2' off the floor. I let the hens brood in the upper box they chose. Then, when they hatch, I move them all down on day 2. The most recent one was last summer when I also moved mom and babies to a different coop so the chicks would grow up there, where they still live as adults. Mom went back to the main coop after weaning the chicks.