Broody Hen in the yard.

[MBeeler]

My broody hen has found a very cozy place away from the flock. She is very well hiden burrowed in some ivy. She comes out daily to eat (In fact it took me 3 days to find her) I assume we will have little ones soon but i have a question. What is your opinion on leaving her where she is to complete her process? My concern is that she has no protection towards preditors at night. She is well hidden and there is no food around her (as I feel often the preditors are attracted to the food). What is your opinion? I want to allow her to be as natural and comfortable as possible. Am I crazy to not relocate? My chickens are free range backyard urban farm kind of girls. Your information is so welcome and appreciated.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

It's not good for her to be out there without being protected. My grandma once raised turkeys and they always went broody outside in the bushes and they always got killed.

 

[Jkirch]

That EXACTLY describes our situation. How did things turn out?

 

[texaspolloloco]

If she twas mine I would relocate her to where she was safe at night. When the babies hatch they will certainly attract predators.

 

[MBeeler]

I moved her into a dog kennel. I got her up to food and water and while she was away I quickly grabbed the eggs and dug up the area where her "nest" was. I moved the whole chunk of dirt into the kennel. I pushed the crate into the exact spot and then waited for her to come back. She was confused at first but I moved her towards her new location. She came out right away so I had to close the door and pray for the best. Low and behold an hour later she was back to normal. I kept the door open during the day so she could move in and out as she wanted and closed it at dusk. The babies did well transitioning there and when the time came I moved the whole crate closer and closer to the coop until she brought them all into the coop perch at night. It was a great experience and she still got her perfect spot!