Feeding a broody hen while in the nest

[Johnchickens2]

Hi.
Is it good to feed a broody hen while in the nest? For instance, today I gave my chickens chopped cucumbers. It was a bit before they went to sleep. My broody hen has already taken her daily break today, so I took a few pieces of cucumber and gave her - she liked it. My question is,
Is it ok to feed her while she is in her nest? Like this example, in which the hen already took her daily break and a few hours passed.
Thank you for your help

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Hi.
Is it good to feed a broody hen while in the nest? For instance, today I gave my chickens chopped cucumbers. It was a bit before they went to sleep. My broody hen has already taken her daily break today, so I took a few pieces of cucumber and gave her - she liked it. My question is,
Is it ok to feed her while she is in her nest? Like this example, in which the hen already took her daily break and a few hours passed.
Thank you for your help

I do, but that's because it's almost always cold when they decide to brood, so if they eat on the nest (they still get up to poop and stretch though), they're keeping the eggs warm and spending less energy to get to the food

 

[sourland]

Hi.
Is it good to feed a broody hen while in the nest? For instance, today I gave my chickens chopped cucumbers. It was a bit before they went to sleep. My broody hen has already taken her daily break today, so I took a few pieces of cucumber and gave her - she liked it. My question is,
Is it ok to feed her while she is in her nest? Like this example, in which the hen already took her daily break and a few hours passed.
Thank you for your help

I'd be concerned that it might lead to defecating in the nest as this can happen when folks keep feed and water immediately adjacent to the nest.

 

[BanoOmg]

I fed mine, because I was a worry wart and wanted everything to go well for her. She didn't ask for food or water, but she took them when I brought them by the nest.

It was probably a bad idea, but it worked out in my case.

 

[aart]

I'd be concerned that it might lead to defecating in the nest as this can happen when folks keep feed and water immediately adjacent to the nest.

Ditto Dat!

Best to keep feed and water a decent distance away from nest, so they have to get up and 'stretch their legs' as well as eat and drink.

But a tiny treat like you describe is not a deal breaker @seviper .

 

[Shadrach]

Hi.
Is it good to feed a broody hen while in the nest? For instance, today I gave my chickens chopped cucumbers. It was a bit before they went to sleep. My broody hen has already taken her daily break today, so I took a few pieces of cucumber and gave her - she liked it. My question is,
Is it ok to feed her while she is in her nest? Like this example, in which the hen already took her daily break and a few hours passed.
Thank you for your help

It's one of those it depends answers.
If your hen is getting off the nest daily, eating, drinking and pooping and most improtantly, dust bathing, then a treat at the nest site is okay.
In general, if the hen is free to come and go as she pleases then I don't give any food at the nest site until the chicks hatch.

Spilt food attracts ants and other scavengers.
It may discourage the hen from getting off the nest on a regular basis.

I used to give the broody hens treats on their way back to their nests.

 

[DebAnneDigi]

I fed mine, because I was a worry wart and wanted everything to go well for her. She didn't ask for food or water, but she took them when I brought them by the nest.

It was probably a bad idea, but it worked out in my case.

Should I remove her from nest to get a drink and eat from feeder?

 

[NatJ]

Should I remove her from nest to get a drink and eat from feeder?

Most hens will get off the nest by themself, at least once each day, to eat and drink.

You can feel her crop: if it has food in it, she did eat today, so no need to worry. You can check again every day if you want. (The crop is at the base of the neck, in the front.)

If you are worried, yes it is fine to lift her off the nest and sit her by the food & water. She will probably sit there for a little, then have a meal and poop, then go back to the nest (maybe stopping for a dust bath on the way.)

 

[DebAnneDigi]

I did take her off nest she walked around drank lots of water..and dust bath… thank you for your help