First Hen gone broody - do I need to do anything?

[chicknerd]

Hi

One of my Buff Orpingtons has gone broody with, get this, several polish eggs. She seems very proud and happy. The best part is she went broody March 1, so dates are easy too. I have left food and water nearby the nest box so she doesn't have to go far.

My question is, what do I do once the baby chicks arrive. Can I set up a 'brooder' with mom in the coop? I dont want the other hens and rooster to disturb them but I dont want anyone to forget her and 'her' babies either.

 

[Pinky]

Most likely your broody won't let any other chicken hurt her babies. If you are worried you can separate her from the flock with something temporary. Let them see her but not be together.

 

[Captain Carrot]

congratulations. I move my broodies straight away to a broody coop with a run attached. That way she has her peace and quite, and I can keep an eye one her.

The one thing you have to watch out for is that your hen is eating and drinking, and that she poops. Broody hens are stubborn and sometimes won't get up off the eggs on their own. In that case you'll have to move her yourself. Make sure she has food and clean water, they don't eat or drink that much when they're broody. She'll also poop, a huge slimy foul smelling poop.

Hopefully she'll be a good mother and fiercely protect her chicks, but I keep my separated from the rest of the flock for a few days. Then if the weather is fine, I let them out to run with the other birds.
The chicks won't need a heat lamp as long as they have a hen to watch out for them and keep them warm.