Broody Hen in Coop how do I manage the others?

[Folly's place]

I've had problems with the nest during incubation if the birds are all together; other hens get into the nest, lay more eggs, damage and dirty the incubating eggs, and definitely lower the hatching rate. I use a large dog airline crate, set in the coop, bedded, food and water inside. IN THE DARK at night, I quietly move the broody and her clutch into the back of the cage, with as small a light as possible for me to see what I"m doing. She stays in, with minimal cleanup as needed, until the babies are about a week old. Then they can come out, preferably while the flock is free ranging, for a gradual introduction. The cage stays until she decides to not return to it at bedtime. The broody and babies eat flock raiser, not layer. Single chicks can get killed by flock mates if they get out without momma; happened once here when TINY bantam babies slipped through the cage door. Make sure it's not possible. Mary

 

[Flybybirds]

Did you see the pictures of my chicken coop on this thread? I have the problem that all go up the ladder to roost at night. The Broody is in one of the nest boxes. You are right. Today I found one of the Maran's eggs in her nest that didn't have a mark on it. We decided to candle the eggs. They are six days old and should show some redness or veining, but all look infertile. My Rooster is a year old. One would hope he is fertile. But all the eggs looked infertile. I have a dog box I can put in the upper coop level. However do you lock the hen in with her eggs at night while the others roost? This maybe for naught because the eggs look infertile. I am going to candle at 10 days to be sure. She has been an excellent broody hen and doesn't budge from her nest box.

 

[Folly's place]

I set the big dog crate on the floor of the coop. It fits under the nest boxes, ( by luck not design), so it's very convenient. The broody and her eggs are locked in, so she isn't disturbed and is still in the flock. Hope you get some fertile eggs! Mary

 

[Flybybirds]

Thanks I hope I get hatched chicks!!!!! She is doing well. Just coming out when the others in the flock are out in their pens hunting for insects and lord knows what else. She comes out, wallows in the sand a bit, walks around, samples the flocks food, she has her own, and then goes back up to the eggs. It will be ten days Wednesday. I am going to candle them then.

 

[Suzierd]

I have the same style coop as you although I think mine is larger. I block off a section with broody and eggs and still have enough room for them to get up eat stretch go potty. The others have a area to still get in and sleep and I put the bottom of a kitty litter box with some hay in it for them to lay eggs in. I made the mistake of not blocking them off soon enough and when the broody was off the nest one of the juveniles got to the eggs and kicked them around and killed them all but one. Lesson learned to block them off sooner. When I felt they are old enough to go out I put a tunnel of chicken wire around the ramp so they can't fall off the side and get hurt. I make it big enough for the adults to walk thru as well. I never had any problems with the Rooster he would mother the chicks right away getting them stuff to eat clucking to them he is great. He even continued to take care of them after the mothers were done. My worry this time around is the juveniles and how they will treat the chicks. Best of luck getting some chicks.

 

[Flybybirds]

My coop is 8 x 14. The enclosed roost is 3 x 8. Lots of floor space. I have removable perch boxes. I could easily get a dog carrier inside. May build a frame with wire barrier so she says in that area. Then when chicks are hatched they can see the flock, play and mom can take care of them until they join the flock.

 

[Flybybirds]

Thanks to all with the advice. We candled the eggs today and found all infertile. The rooster had only been with the hens two days and I jumped the gun thinking it would help my broody hen who had nothing under her. Thought she would get off the nest now but no so we put more eggs under her. She's eating well but her comb is slightly pinker. I don't like that. She is a Maran and usually has a pretty red comb. We started feeding her mealy worms for more protein. Any other suggestions?