Broody Hen Thread!

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We have been having coyote problems... My hen Rhonda is outside brooding in a pretty well hidden spot. Her chicks are due to hatch tomorrow, I checked and none have hatched yet, I hear them peeping, but none have pipped, but I'm guessing they will soon. My hen looks so proud that they are peeping! Anyways, the coyotes are getting really bold because of the drought, and have begin coming down to the chicken area. I am very concerned about Rhonda. Someone is pressuring me to move her in the house tonight, instead of tomorrow when the chicks hatch like I planned. Do you think there is any risk of abandonment at this point if I move her tonight?
Thanks!
~ roostersandhens
 
roostersandhens said:
We have been having coyote problems... My hen Rhonda is outside brooding in a pretty well hidden spot. Her chicks are due to hatch tomorrow, I checked and none have hatched yet, I hear them peeping, but none have pipped, but I'm guessing they will soon. My hen looks so proud that they are peeping! Anyways, the coyotes are getting really bold because of the drought, and have begin coming down to the chicken area. I am very concerned about Rhonda. Someone is pressuring me to move her in the house tonight, instead of tomorrow when the chicks hatch like I planned. Do you think there is any risk of abandonment at this point if I move her tonight?
Thanks!
~ roostersandhens
Click to expand...

There is always a chance of abandonment before hatch when moving.... them peeping may help reduce the risk, but I have never tried moving a hen so close to hatch....after one or two is hatched then it seems like the broody is much more cooperative. With that being said I understand the cause for concern over the coyotes... Is there any way possible for you to make a box or barricade/fence to place around the broody for overnight? It doesn't need to be fancy, but it should be sturdy. The top half of a large dog crate would work with heavy blocks holding it down...

If there is no way to move her safely, and no way to provide her a physical barrier then you are very limited on options. The only other thing I could think might help is a portable radio in the area (though not really close to her nest).... a radio played on low may help cover noises the chicks may make peeping for one night.
 
Last edited:
fisherlady said:
There is always a chance of abandonment before hatch when moving.... them peeping may help reduce the risk, but I have never tried moving a hen so close to hatch....after one or two is hatched then it seems like the broody is much more cooperative. With that being said I understand the cause for concern over the coyotes... Is there any way possible for you to make a box or barricade/fence to place around the broody for overnight? It doesn't need to be fancy, but it should be sturdy. The top half of a large dog crate would work with heavy blocks holding it down...

If there is no way to move her safely, and no way to provide her a physical barrier then you are very limited on options. The only other thing I could think might help is a portable radio in the area (though not really close to her nest).... a radio played on low may help cover noises the chicks may make peeping for one night.
Click to expand...
I do have a radio playing. Where she is, seems too tight to be able to fit a box or crate top over. Thank you for your suggestions.
SD Bird Lady said:
Each hen is different but I think they are bonded so she should stay with them.
Click to expand...
Okay.
 
Today is my hen Rhonda's big day!!!! :D She looks so proud~I bet some her chicks are hatching right now
jumpy.gif
 
The radio is the best bet. I would move her as soon as the eggs have hatched, which sounds like it would be within the next 24 hours or so. Moving the eggs could mess up hatching, so I'd wait if you can. You can also poison or shoot the coyotes. We are having a coyote problem in our neighborhood and there is no drought. There are tons of bunnies and other prey for them to eat, but they insist on coming to the neighborhood to hunt.
 
Well, today marks the end of the first week for Agatha - or the beginning of the second week, depending on how you look at it. She's still setting, and growling, and fluffing, so I guess all is well so far.
 

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