Chicken broody in trash can?

[centrarchid]

I have not seen her come out in 4 days at all and i keep a pretty close watch on them, and they eat and drink outside the coop in my yard. i finally went in and put a few handfuls of food in the can today and she went ravouness on it. do you really think changing the orientation of the can will break her even if i leave her in the can, my other concern is my other birds jumping in there cause they can not see her in there till they jump up, i went in there to check on her today and the flock followed and my little red jumped up on the edge of the can and just about fell in, i was worried about the weight of them tipping it cause it is empty.

I have had numerous broody hens with four currently hatching or about to hatch and made intensive observations on some and all appear consistent otherwise. See following link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/451333/constructing-a-single-chicken-family-unit-for-porch


You hen is coming of nest to defecate, eat, drink and possibly dust bath. If needs are easily met duration may be less than 30 minutes. This usually occurs in the afternoon but almost always between 10 AM and 4 PM. Feeding then is best described as ravenous. Hen makes every effort to keep feces out of nest.

She is communicating with other birds when they approach barrel warning them off with growls or purring. Consider placing some gravel or oyster shell into barrel to provide weight. Add slowly around perimeter. Hen can work material about to her desire.