First time with broody hen setting on eggs, to hatch soon

[Mamapoint]

Hi,

We have 12 chickens and 1 rooster that we bought almost a year ago. About 2.5 weeks ago, DH decided to let a broody hen sit on some eggs. Then our other bantam joined her. He marked all the eggs early on. One or two broke, but we have 9 eggs between them. We remove the extra's each day that other hens give them. The two hens are sharing a box in our coop. The box is one of 8, and is about a foot off the floor. My DH is going to set up chick food and a chick waterer in the bottom of the coop tonight, directly below the box they're setting in. He plans to just leave the hens and chicks in the coop with the flock and let them do their thing.

I read about people moving their broody hens to another coop until the chicks are a bit older. Is that necessary for the chick's survival? Do you have any suggestions? My DH grew up on a farm and said that they had wild chicks that were born in the barn so he's figuring these will survive without being separated. I'm nervous. And I'm a city girl who knows nothing about this so I'm not interfering. But would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

Judy

 

[Mamapoint]

I should add that one of the broody hens has experience, and the other one may even be her daughter. The people we bought the flock and coop from said she was an excellent brooder.

 

[Mamapoint]

Nobody can help me?

 

[4chickychoos]

I am no pro at this. But, reading Gail Damerow book says to move broodys to a safe location. I too am new to this and have a broody sitting on eggs I got from a 4-H. I put an old dog house in the chicken fenced area and then cut that off from the others with chicken fence as well.... I filled the dog house with bedding and put the eggs in. Water and food just out side her door but sometimes hand feed her. She is stead fast but has broken 2 of the 6 eggs shes been sitting on. Anyway, after I moved her into the dog house she was a bit upset. It took another day for her to not get off when she saw me coming..... I've had my 3 hens for 3 yrs and Gails book has been (Storeys guide to Raising Chickens) has been the best help - I read it before I got the girls. I dont think you should let both hens be together for the brood. Maybe each have there own nest and eggs. Wish you all well.

 

[NEPACrazyFarm]

We just had a broody hatch out one chic (that we saw anyway). Before we had a chance to seperate the chic disappeared

She's on another nest and we are getting prepared to seperate so this time any babies will be safe!!