Help clear this up for me

[SteveP612]

Ok Im kinda new at this. I have had chickens for a year now but just recently added a Roo in with them. I now have a hen that has been sitting in a nest box for the last 2 days. She will let me come close to her but if I reach my hand out she pecks at it. She is in the box that all the other hens use but I did notice that a couple of days ago they had started to use onther box. I was still getting eggs in the box she is in now but I think they were hers. Should I just leave her to tend to these eggs? If they do hatch will the chicks be alright with the other chickens or will I have to remove them. I ask because I know if I buy new chicks I just can put thtem in there. I have 7 other hens and 1 Roo. I dont care if she does hatch them on her own because I was thinking about incubating some any ways. Thanks for any info/advice any of you can give me. I dont know what I would do without this site so far everyone has been very help full.

 

[suzettex5]

Hi! I know how you feel, I'd be lost without BYC!

Yes, your hen wants to hatch her eggs. If you have seen the roo 'romance' her, the eggs could hatch if left with her. I suggest marking them with a pencil, write the date the eggs started inccubating, or something like that.

Personally, I keep leave the hen in the coop wherever she is, a momma hen will usually protect her babies pretty well. That said, many hens and birds of prey will eat the chicks, so seperation may be a wise decision. Some folks have a broody pen for expecting mommas, that way everyone is happy till integration time. You have to decide what will work for you space and $ wise.

Good luck!!

 

[SteveP612]

She is the dominant hen so I would think the other hens would leave her alone. As for birds of prey my run as a roof over it. But maybe I will build a small coop for her if needed.