Hen brooding outside coop

[chickencissy99]

HELP!!! My chickens are free range during the day. We noticed today that one of the hens has created a nest and is brooding in our shrubs. It looks like at least 6 to 8 eggs in there. We have no idea how long she's been sitting there. Can we move the nest & eggs? Should we leave her alone and just protect and feed her? Can we just take all the eggs away? HELP!!!

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

@sourland @casportpony Do you guys have any advice?

 

[Meri Maura]

Okay, first you need to very gently take out one egg and candle it. If you see any signs of life in it, the most humane action would be to let her hatch them. Yes, you should move her and her eggs (very gently!) to a safe location.

 

[Meri Maura]

Here's an article on candling.
How to candle an egg

 

[MountainWoman73]

I haven't had any luck moving a nest and eggs. My broody hen was frantic to get back to the spot I'd moved her from, and she abandoned the eggs to go sit on an empty nest. I'd say either take the eggs away, or let her be there if you want her to try hatching. She'll come get her own food and water about once a day as long as it's available. You might not catch her leaving the nest, but she'll do it once a day or so. If you do opt to take the eggs away, block off that spot somehow or she'll probably just go back and sit there.

 

[Meri Maura]

You can move her into a cage with the eggs and she will eventually sit down. Just make sure the eggs won't go cold.

 

[chickencissy99]

Okay, first you need to very gently take out one egg and candle it. If you see any signs of life in it, the most humane action would be to let her hatch them. Yes, you should move her and her eggs (very gently!) to a safe location.

Could we just secure her where she is? She's fairly well hidden now and we were thinking of just leaving her there and putting something over her for a little protection. Will she get up to eat/drink?

 

[Meri Maura]

Problems with that:
1. predators can smell chickens
2. if you put something over her they can dig under it.

I had a lovely hen that was broody some years ago and I left on my inclosed porch. She's dead.

 

[chickencissy99]

Problems with that:
1. predators can smell chickens
2. if you put something over her they can dig under it.

I had a lovely hen that was broody some years ago and I left on my inclosed porch. She's dead.

We just looked while she was off the nest and she has 17 eggs on the nest!!! OMG!!! Not sure where to put her.

 

[Meri Maura]

A good idea would be in a large cage in your house.(or chicken house) Make sure the nest is cozy. Just let her hatch them, and if you have too many, you can always give them away.