Broody hen hatching chicks at the top of the hay stack

[CDennis]

I have a broody hen hatching chicks at the top of the hay stack it's about 14 feet straight down from her location and I just heard a chirp. I stuck a piece of cardboard behind her so they wouldn't fall out the back and I stuck a log in front of her (she is between two bails) so hopefully the chicks won't fall but I'm not sure if I should try to move her at this point or wait until chicks are moving around.

 

[Judy]

Sorry you didn't get an answer last night. I'd probably move them this morning, myself. Hopefully, one will be hatched, so she won't go back up there, she will stay with the chick. Moving a nest during hatch is of course NOT recommended -- but I have to admit I've done it, and successfully. Maybe you can get the whole nest in a box or something and move it all at once..

Let us know how it came out!

 

[CDennis]

I did as you suggested and moved her this morning, two were fully hatched another just had hatched and was still in that weak wet stage. I put her in a next box with the eggs, babies some water and a bit of cracked corn. I'm not sure the status on the newest hatch but I saw at least one chick walking around after I moved them all. I put them in my tack room so they would be protected I have lot's of issues with predators. Thank you for the reply!