First broody! But, how will her chicks get down to the ground and not fall, if she does hatch them?

[Blueeyez]

So, my old English game bantam has decided to attempt to brood a set of golf balls for the last couple of days Lol of course since this is my first broody chicken, I'm pretty excited and its got me thinking about trading out the golf balls for a couple fertile eggs! But, if I did that, how would the hen get the chicks down to the floor without them falling after they hatch? Because the nest box she's chosen is about 3ft off the ground....

 

[Ridgerunner]

She will tell them to jump and they will. Then they will run to her. Mine do it all the time. I've seen a broody hen get her chicks out of a 10' high hay loft using this method. The chicks were not injured.

If you are that concerned build her a nest at ground level and move her to that nest. Basically you need a nest, enough room for food and water, and a bit more so she can go poop. Broody hens should know to not poop in their nest but do not know to not poop in food or water so you may be doing some cleaning. Build a pen around that nest, food, and water that she cannot get out of to go back to her old nest. Sometimes a hen breaks from being broody when you try this but people are often successful, especially if you move her at night.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

She will tell them to jump and they will. Then they will run to her. Mine do it all the time. I've seen a broody hen get her chicks out of a 10' high hay loft using this method. The chicks were not injured.

If you are that concerned build her a nest at ground level and move her to that nest. Basically you need a nest, enough room for food and water, and a bit more so she can go poop. Broody hens should know to not poop in their nest but do not know to not poop in food or water so you may be doing some cleaning. Build a pen around that nest, food, and water that she cannot get out of to go back to her old nest. Sometimes a hen breaks from being broody when you try this but people are often successful, especially if you move her at night.

x2!

 

[Blueeyez]

What?! No way?!? I mean, I'm not actually doubting y'all, but that is pretty unbelievable! Lol maybe I'll try making her a little cage/nest on the ground and try my luck at that. I'd feel better about that..... And her being safe at night is a big concern for me to because the nest box room doesn't have a door like the room they roost in at night

 

[BlueBaby]

Did she hatch the eggs yet?