Broody Hen in coop with others

[Coopof10]

I have had a broody hen for a month so I finally decided to get her some fertile eggs and let her have some babies. They are due to hatch in 10 days now. She is in the coop with 8 other hens. Do I need to figure out a way to separate them? She goes out first thing in the morning to eat and drink and poop and then is right back in the nesting box. It's a Quaker style coop and she's using the box closest to the people door. Should I maybe divide the coop with hardware cloth once it's within a day or so? First time.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I do figure out some way to confine them for a week or two in order to give chicks a chance to gain strength so they can keep up with mom, and get away from other birds easily.

 

[MarkJr]

My broody stayed with flock no problem. You will need to make allowance for the young chicks to move about without losing mom until she’s off the eggs. Past that, she will take care of them nicely.