As for the other hens bothering her - give THEM another nest. My hens always love a new nest, just rig something with an egg in it, kind of hidden and they will be there.
My advice is not to move her at the end. She knows way more about raising chicks than either you or I do. I have learned to leave them where they are. I do check the coop about three times a day when I have a broody hen setting. Because sometimes they will get on the WRONG nest. But don't worry about it, just move them back, even if the outside of the eggs feel cool. I was positive they were dead, but people here said they would be fine and they hatched right on time.
What my bloodies have done, is hatch. You will go down and hear an occasional peep, the best sound ever. LEAVE HER ALONE! About 24 hours later, all of my birds have left the nest, mine is about 3 feet off the ground, and create a new nest on the ground. 3-4 days ahead - I have put new bedding down. She picks the place.
At that time, I will put a waterer and feed fairly close to the nest, and she will teach them to eat and drink. Then again, I leave them alone. Within 2-3 days, she will take them out to the flock.
Now one of the reasons I leave the broody with the flock is because she is a moody, aggressive bird and EVERYONE learns to give her space. I think this helps when she brings out the chicks. They look, but not too close. She will naturally place herself between the layers and the chicks.
I try and let mine out to free range just to give everyone a bit mores space. But really that is it.
Do know, not every egg will hatch. This is normal. And some chicks might not make it, that too is normal. But the ones that do will be very healthy and active. Out exploring, getting much more exercise and fresh air and sunshine than a brooder raised chick that is perfectly safe.
Mrs K
My advice is not to move her at the end. She knows way more about raising chicks than either you or I do. I have learned to leave them where they are. I do check the coop about three times a day when I have a broody hen setting. Because sometimes they will get on the WRONG nest. But don't worry about it, just move them back, even if the outside of the eggs feel cool. I was positive they were dead, but people here said they would be fine and they hatched right on time.
What my bloodies have done, is hatch. You will go down and hear an occasional peep, the best sound ever. LEAVE HER ALONE! About 24 hours later, all of my birds have left the nest, mine is about 3 feet off the ground, and create a new nest on the ground. 3-4 days ahead - I have put new bedding down. She picks the place.
At that time, I will put a waterer and feed fairly close to the nest, and she will teach them to eat and drink. Then again, I leave them alone. Within 2-3 days, she will take them out to the flock.
Now one of the reasons I leave the broody with the flock is because she is a moody, aggressive bird and EVERYONE learns to give her space. I think this helps when she brings out the chicks. They look, but not too close. She will naturally place herself between the layers and the chicks.
I try and let mine out to free range just to give everyone a bit mores space. But really that is it.
Do know, not every egg will hatch. This is normal. And some chicks might not make it, that too is normal. But the ones that do will be very healthy and active. Out exploring, getting much more exercise and fresh air and sunshine than a brooder raised chick that is perfectly safe.
Mrs K
