Broody Hen in Hay Barn....

[CPT]

Uh oh! Here we go again....this time, this is a different broody hen, but she decided to sneak into the hay barn, and camp out behind a wood board leaned up against the hay barn wall and sit on a clutch of eggs. She has been sitting there since 5/4. I went to go check on her and she puffs up and tries to peck me! She's not a very nice girl, unlike my other broody, who was very sweet.

If the eggs hatch, I don't want the chicks to run around free! They might get snatched up by something...so I'm not sure what to do now. Put a crate on top of her? I can't move her to the coop, there's no room. Build something around the nest, like put up some fencing, boards?? I thought about getting a rabbit hutch, but I just don't know......Here are some pictures. Suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[chickengirl778]

This article might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/broody-hen-care.506381/
I have a broody myself right now, she's trying to hatch some golf balls!

 

[redranger209]

A broody is more than capable of defending her chicks. I’d just leave her.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Easiest method is probably to put the nest a cardboard box (but leave it where it is) and be sure that she knows how to get in and out. Then, when the chicks hatch, they're boxed for your convenience and you can decide what to do with them.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

A brooder 12 inches off the ground with a 1/4 inch hardware cloth floor and 5 feet long by 2 feet wide and a total of 3 feet tall will make a very serviceable brooder for both the chicks and the old setting hen. Don't forget to put the roof on hinges and it will go well in a horse barn or you can put 3 rain proof sides on it and a rain proof roof and keep it outside. Any split feed, water, or manure falls right through. At 2 or 3 weeks old let the chicks and hen lose to range for themselves. That is if you prosecute vermin like coons etc religiously.

 

[CPT]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I am NOT handy at all I found some chicken wire and wrapped it around the open areas, attached it with some u-Hooks.....left a small area open so that she can wander in and out hopefully the eggs will hatch! I think the broody hen will be more comfortable with where she is right now...don't want to move her or the eggs. This will be our 2nd possible hatching from our flock, as our first batch of chicks didn't survive at all. Once the chicks are hatched, I'll be able to catch them and put mama and chicks inside a tub / brooder / rabbit hutch. Haven't decided yet.