Escaped broody!

[AuntieWeasel]

I had a hen vanish last week at lockdown time and presumed she was taken by the fox. But no, she turned up next day and I penned her up while I went to work. She vanished again as soon as she was free and that's when I suspected what was up.

I spotted her again this evening - ravenously hungry, naturally, and not letting me get near her. I managed to track her back to the suspected nest - it's way deep under a pile of brushwood where I can't get to her (and I hope the fox can't either).

If the eggs started to incubate overnight and then I locked her up for five hours, would that kill them? Is she sitting on duds? If so, would it be kinder to try and trap her? Would it be better to trap her anyway? I definitely don't need more chickens, but I hope it's easier to get rid of chicks.

I've only ever dealt with broody pekins. I never thought this would happen with a Polish!

 

[aart]

Sorry for the late reply.
How long was she broody and setting on eggs?
Had you candled during this time?

 

[AuntieWeasel]

Thanks for the reply.

She has been broody for about a week now. She had started to sit (I didn't know it) for about 12 hours and then was locked up for about four and then went back to the nest. She's in a protected position where most predators can't get to her, but neither can I, so I haven't candled the eggs. I don't know how many.

I've left food and water by the entryway so she doesn't have to go far. I keep watch by CCTV and in person, and I've spotted her once every day. I've seen her just now, in fact. I could probably catch her if I tried, but she's come this far. After 21 days, I'll start listening for peeping.