Do I need a different coop?

[Overthinker]

Hi,

Coyote took out most the herd yesterday. But I still have 3. 1 is a big broody girl. So my plan is to put fertilized eggs under her.

So it's okay to hatch the chicks in the same coop with the other 2 adults or do I need to move the broody girl to a different coop?

Also, until the eggs hatch, I don't need to do anything correct? Like turn them or anything?

Thank you!

 

[RossAcres]

Hello! So sorry about your loss.
If she broody, I personally would seperate her, just to be safe. Sometimes other hens can get aggressive towards chicks.
You don't need to turn the eggs, momma will do that herself. Just make sure to have feed and water close to her so she doesn't have to travel far.

 

[igorsMistress]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Hopefully that won’t happen again!

You don’t have to do anything but provide clean food and water and a soft landing for the chicks/a place to nest after hatch if your nest boxes are elevated. Mama will take care of teaching the babies everything they need to know and she will protect them. I’ve never had any other flock member harm any babies. YMMV, and if you look for the info you’ll find horror stories. I think these come up because they are rare and get a lot of attention when things like that happen. Good luck!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I'm sorry about your flock, I had a coyote snatch up one of my first ladies, so I get it. You are free and clear of all chick tending duties, as stated just be sure you have fresh water and food for your hens, the broody will take her breaks, poop, eat, drink, and dust bath then back to the eggs she will go. Once a week while she is on break, you'll want to candle the eggs, or give them a quick sniff to be sure none are rotten, other than that, she's got this. I have multiple broodies every year, I have never separated them, and have never had any issues.

 

[Overthinker]

Thank you everyone
Also, my coop is about 2' off the ground. Do I need to keep the chicks from trying to go down it? Or make it wider or something?

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thank you everyone
Also, my coop is about 2' off the ground. Do I need to keep the chicks from trying to go down it? Or make it wider or something?

You're going to have to go out there and help them to bed with mom in the evenings until they figure out the ramp

 

[Overthinker]

You're going to have to go out there and help them to bed with mom in the evenings until they figure out the ramp

Thank you
They are free range, it's okay to let them wander around with her? Just want to double check.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thank you
They are free range, it's okay to let them wander around with her? Just want to double check.

I don't free range, but my birds do have a very large chicken yard attached to their run, I literally do nothing with broody chicks, the momma takes them where she wants. My neighbor does let her birds go wherever, that includes her broodies and their chicks. I suppose it is entirely up to you.

 

[Overthinker]

I don't free range, but my birds do have a very large chicken yard attached to their run, I literally do nothing with broody chicks, the momma takes them where she wants. My neighbor does let her birds go wherever, that includes her broodies and their chicks. I suppose it is entirely up to you.

Thank you

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Thank you

You're welcome Enjoy your forthcoming chicks! There is nothing better than a broody with babies