HELP! Neighbors Hen is sitting on about 15-20 eggs under a bush in MY FRONT YARD.

[Judy]

It's natural for a hen to brood eggs this way, and to raise them on her own. She doesn't need food and water nearby. She should return home once a day to eat and drink, if her instincts are good. The exercise will be good for her. I wouldn't do a thing, since it's your neighbor's decision to leave her where she is, and it's his chicken. If she can't get to his food and water, I would put some out, but not hear her nest. I'll bet she is finding her own food and water source, even if she can't return home for this.

 

[Dawners]

I have no idea what you just told me... talk in "simple" "I dont raise chickens" english for me... I have not a clue.

 

[Dawners]

Thanks! I am doing just that... she does go home at feeding time, and she seems to be quite determined to handle things on her own. so, I am trusting in mother nature to see that all works its course. Your advise was comforting. again, Thank you!

 

[featherz]

I'd leave her there. I'm betting she will go back to her flock with her chicks, especially since she is returning there for food. She knows where the good food is, and that's where she will take her chicks when they are old enough to 'go out' (a few days after birth, usually). As for the temps, I had a broody when it was in the 30's and she was fine. No heat.

 

[Sjisty]

I agree with the others. She knows how to take care of herself and her chicks. Once they hatch and she leaves the nest, she will probably then proudly take them home.

Once she and her chicks are gone, make sure you pick up any eggs or eggshells and rake up the area so it doesn't look quite so inviting for egg laying in the future! Chances are good once she has finished with these chicks she will come back looking for her favorite laying place.

 

[fishnet1971]

you dont need help. You need a chicken coop!!!!!!

 

[Leslieb118]

There have been quite a few people on here that have had a hen disappear and feared the worst, that a predator got them. Only to see the hen marching back to the coop a few weeks later with chicks following behind. I'd leave her where she is, try to keep her out of sight, and take the food away. You don't want to attract attention to her for sure! Can your neighbor give you any idea of when he noticed that she wasn't around? That might help you determine how much longer she'll be under your bushes.

 

[Dawners]

THEY HAVE HATCHED... EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! Gosh, I had forgotten how stinkin' cute the little boogers are! LOL!
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU THAT POSTED DURING MY PANIC ATTACK - Funny enough, it even rained, and sleeted a bit of snow the night before last, and MAMA DID HER JOB WELL.
Went out front this morning, and THEY WERE EVERYWHERE (NOT FAR FROM MAMA THOUGH)... AND boy oh boy did she let them all know it was time to head back to the nest with her, she marched in a few and went back to march in a few more, GOOD LORD, I CAN NOT IMAGINE HAVING ALL OF THOSE "KIDS" AT ONCE...

Anyways, I thought I would pop online to say thanks to everyone and update them on my CHICKY CHICKY CHICKY'S!

 

[leadwolf1]

Get a pic, quick, while you can...share the joy

 

[flowerchild59]

Pics please would be nice.