Broody hens for the first time

[Gloria's Gang]

I have a broody cochin and a broody silkie, no rooster. I got fertilized eggs for them to sit on. The cochin was given 5, the next day there were six under her. I didn't think she would lay any more eggs. I didn't mark them at all because I thought that might harm the eggs. Another one of my hens may have gotten into the box. Neither one of them has left the box that I know of, (hopefully only for a quick drink and snack which are close by). Never done this before, is it normal?

 

[debilorrah]

If you notice that she never leaves the nest, you will have to put food and water right under her nose. I seem to have this problem with all my broodies.

 

[Gloria's Gang]

Is it okay that they are still in the coop with the other 5 hens? I have four nest boxes in all and the other girls are using the two empty ones. I have a waterer and food in the coop, about a foot away from them. There was a giant poop right there which must have been from the silkie.

 

[debilorrah]

I still have mine in the coop because there is no way for the other hens to get behind them and donate their eggs to the cause. But you need to make sure she is getting food and water.