I have a free-ranging mixed bantie hen. She stays broody. She has 8 chicks right now (out of 10 eggs). I don't mind, just wondering though how long is it normal for her to hide her chicks. The hens I have had before by the end of the first week were bringing them out to the feeder. This hen has kept hers hidden now for almost three weeks. I see her out and about with her babies, but when I try to approach she runs off. I really want to catch her and her babies to get them back into the safety of the pen, but she is not to be found at night, and in the daytime, I can't get close enough to even try catching her. When she doesn't have babies, she is very tame.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
