Hen Setting

[chickenman111]

I have a Dominique hen that I think is trying to set. She is 32 weeks old. Several days I have found her sitting on a pile of eggs typically 6-10 eggs and she is constantly gathering hay around the eggs and clucking to them, and sometimes she rubs her comb against the egg. Whenever I try to get the eggs out from under her she makes a growling noise,won't get up, and she pecks me constantly. So I was wondering if she is ready to hatch eggs. Also can she take care of babies right now with highs in the mid 50s and the lows around 35-45 degrees. I live in north Alabama.


Thanks

 

[AlienChick]

Since she growls at you when you try to grab the eggs (and she never leaves the nest), she's probably broody and will hatch the eggs if left alone.
Don't worry about the weather, mom will take very good care of the chicks.
I just had a mom raise three chicks while the weather was in the teens and 20's.
Chicks were all fine.
Good luck!

 

[chickenman111]

Thanks, She will get up and then I gather the eggs but she then she will make a wailing sound. She's done this several times.
Thanks again.

P.S. if you use a incubator will it work if you put the hatching eggs under a hen. will she take care of them?