Broody leghorn

[tinakevin]

My leghorn went missing for awhile and when I went out this morning she had reappeard. She was very hungry and thirsty. I knew she had to be laying on eggs cuz this is the 2nd time I seen her do this. I followed her today and yes she is sitting. My question is should I bring her into the coup with the eggs. It's been down in the 30's and 40's at night and only in the 60's during the day. I live in nh so it's starting to get cold

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Does are if you try to move her she won't sit on the eggs, I would let her be if you want her to hatch. Chickens are comfortable in those temperatures.

 

[aart]

The cold isn't a problem, tho rain and cold might be, but predators would be my biggest concern.
But moving her is risky as they can rebel and not continue sitting.
If you do move her, I would put her in the coop but separated by wire from the flock to contain her.

Maybe doing some reading in these threads will help you make a decision:
advanced search>titles only> moving a broody

 

[tinakevin]

Thank you. I was thinking the same thing about the rain. We r supposed to be getting some this weekend. I guess I'll take the chance. She is young and it doesn't matter if she breaks her broody. I don't really need more chicks but I won't object to having any more either. I will try to move her. The predator thing is what I'm more afraid of. It's fall and trees and bushes are thinning. I would like to see her chicks thou they will def be interesting. Leghorn mom and partridge silky dad lol

 

[tinakevin]

Do I move her first then slip then slip the eggs under her or do I move the eggs and put her in after

 

[tinakevin]

So I took your advise and read some threads on moving her. I did move her tonight in a large dog crate and at first she wasn't too happy with me but I went into check on her and she had all 12 eggs tucked under her. It is so amazing she can cover all those eggs. Now the wait

 

[aart]

So I took your advise and read some threads on moving her. I did move her tonight in a large dog crate and at first she wasn't too happy with me but I went into check on her and she had all 12 eggs tucked under her. It is so amazing she can cover all those eggs. Now the wait

Crossing my fingers for you!

 

[tinakevin]

Well I think all the baby chicks are dead. I moved her and she originally sat in them so I thought all was well but this morning she wasn't on them and they were cold. I feel so bad because I candled them and 8 of them had babies just about fully developed. They weren't moving so I assume they r dead. So she was all upset and went back to her original nest so I slipped back her eggs but I'm sure it's useless. I will wait for her to give up and hope none go broody again till spring. Lesson learned

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sorry, I have never had any luck convincing a broody hen to relocate. There's always hope that the chicks have survived despite their chilling.

 

[tinakevin]

Thank u. I was trying to keep her safe but i sacrificed 8 little babies. My heart breaks for them but I can't undo what's been done so next time I just leave her be.