Broody hen in a nest box

[onemomentspeace]

We have a hen who is broody in a nest box with one egg. We have candled it and we think it is developing fine. We believe at this point she is on day 16. This is our first time letting a hen raise a chick. It has been my son's project! So fun to see him watch this little hen. So the nest box is about 3 feet off of the ground in the coop. Should I make a lip on the edge? Move the hen and egg altogether? Also, she is in with 6 other hens. The rooster is no longer here. So I was wondering if I should make a cardboard area on the coop floor to give her her own space? Thanks in advance for any advice!!!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I'd let her be. When hatched the chick will stay under and with her until she deems it's time to come off the nest. Make sure there is plenty of soft landing as the chick will jump. You can build a little ramp for the chick. I'm unsure if she'll use the nest after coming off or just sit in coop with the chick. If she goes back to nest with it then it will need a ramp to get back up. I find with a ramp they jump off regardless but with showing them a few nights they "get it" and start walking up the plank.

My experience was with a raised coop that had a ladder for the chickens. Put feed and water in coop for the hen and chicks and didn't think they'd make that plunge when she went outside to poop. Sure enough, 3 ft kerplops onto the ground. Had a ramp with short cleats next morning. They still jumped to side of it.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I've a current predicament with broody birds too. Don't get me wrong, I really like when birds go broody most the time and it's quite an experience to watch them mother. That said what started with 2 of 8 hens brooding earlier this week has turned to 4! Ugh. I've got some choices to make very soon. All was well when I went to camp yesterday as I've plans to sell one with eggs but to get home and see all the nest boxes full of broodies....Hmmm...decisions, decisions.

 

[onemomentspeace]

Thank you! That really sounds like the least invasive way of going. I like it! I will just keep an eye on them. I am lucky that none of my other hens have followed this hens lead. They pretty much are all leaving her alone and doing their own thing.