Broody questions.... SO not ready for this!

[Barn Maid Ann]

I had a hen go missing on me and I was so darned sad because this hen has been a medical nightmare since she was little. She keeps bouncing back and I think we have over $200 in vet bills invested in her. She has a mangled eyelid from what I think was a hawk attack earlier this year. We had it stitched up. She has become very tame and trusting because of all the handling she has had (also lived as a house hen).
So when she came missing I was so sad. This is the second time in a week, only this time she was gone for 3 days. But there she was this morning, under foot, per her usual self! VERY thirsty and very hungry. So it dawned on me....she must have a nest (I kept thinking I was hearing things up stairs!?)
So, if I find this nest, can I move it? For obvious reasons, I am worried about any baby chicks falling out the loft door or falling down steps.
And then.... once the babes are on the loose with Mama, how worried should I be about the rest of the flock. They all free range during the day. I have some voracious hunters who will kill any little thing, like mice size.
And will the new family go into the chicken house (which is a stall in our barn) at night or will she try to take them back upstairs? I can make her a ground nest in the coop. Our current nest boxes are mounted on teh wall up high.
TIA for any help to my many questions!
Ann

 

[chickenfever]

Well if it were me, I would find the nest and move it before they hatch. I used a box with the side cut out as a nest box and it worked great. You may have to put a second box over the top ( with holes for ventilation) to keep her on the nest and get to to accept a new nest. If you want to move her, search for moving broody and you will probably find a lot of good info on here.

I would also separate her from the rest of the flock. I put my nest box in a dog house then made her a small fenced in yard so the rest of the chickens could not bother her or the chicks.