First timer with a broody hen

[DottieMarie]

One of our hens has decided she wants to be a Mom. I never even considered any of them having babies but should I let her sit on the eggs? If I was actually trying for chicks, should I move her to another area or will the other hens leave her alone?

I had been tricking her off her eggs and then I'd steal them but now I'm thinking I should just let her sit. What are the pros and cons and what do I need to do for her?

 

[DDRanch]

This is a fabulous area for broody information. I have been thinking about getting some fertilized eggs and if one of my hens goes broody, let her raise the chicks. This site helped me a lot.

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/broody-hens-1.html

 

[DottieMarie]

Thank you DDRanch the link was VERY helpful. I don't think I'm ready for hatching chicks but at least now I have a clue on how to start when I am.

 

[DDRanch]

You are welcome. Of course, there is also a lot of good into within BYC using "broody hen" as the subject.
Anne