Help with a sneaky bantam hen...

[rhondakintz]

Hi, Y'all.
I'm new here and sure do need some help.
Last summer we were given several bantams. The hens have layed occasionally, but very irregularly.

When we moved their coop on Saturday we found that one of the hens had dug a hole in the ground under the coop and was sitting on 8 eggs! We had NO idea...

Now I have so many questions about what to do! Since we don't know when they were laid, we have only an idea of when they will hatch. Do we separate her from the other chickens - 2 hens, 1 roo? We never intended to have bantam chicks, but this sneaky little mama had other plans!

Please give me any helpful advice you have.

 

[MareeZoCool]

from Ohio! Personally, I'd let her hatch out her clutch of eggs. Move her nest & eggs to the new location, placing her on them at night should get her re-aquainted with the nest. OR, let her see you carry her nest to the new site, be sure she does have a secluded area, since that seems to be her desire. My hen loves to supervise my nest cleaning & any other coop work. LOL! She's quite the inspector!

If your hen approves, she will settle right on her nest & re-arrange her eggs as needed. There's nothing more interesting than observing a mother hen with her peeps. ~ You won't even need to buy chick starter feed since mom will teach them how, what, & where to eat!

 

[kano]

Generally, the hens who have been removed of her nests are going to go back to the place they choose. (or they are going to try very hard ) To avoid that, put a wooden or carton box over her (upsidedown of course) and leave her that way , over nigth and the next day. That afternoon , you remove the box. Don't worry they are not going to starve. In my case, 90% of my broody hens remain on the new place. (Sorry.Did i make myself clear? English is not my tongue, as you can see.... )

 

[rhondakintz]

Thanks for your suggestions about moving the hen and eggs.

The eggs are laid in the dirt - no grass or any other nesting materials. Is it OK to handle the eggs and move them or will she reject them? How long should she and her eggs/chicks be separated from the rest of the chickens? Would it be certain death for the chicks if they were not separarted from the other chickens?