How Should I Care For My Broody Hen?

[Flappy Bird]

Hello! I currently have a year old hen who I’ve concluded is broody for apparent reasons. Two of these reasons are that she is very dedicated to her nest rarely leaving it, and is aggressive when I approach her. I’m allowing her to hatch two eggs. This is my very first broody hen, and I wanted to know what I should provide her with. Any advice is well appreciated. Thank you.

 

[sdm111]

Nothing just feed and fresh water. And shelter of course. The less she's bothered the better. She's just doing what she wants to do.

 

[NatJ]

I wanted to know what I should provide her with.

She should come off the nest about once a day to eat and drink.
Make sure food & water are available.
She will typically do this when you are not watching.

If you worry about her eating: feel her crop to see if there is food in it. That is much quicker an easier than trying to watch her all day long If you aren't sure what a full crop feels like, grab a few non-broody chickens and feel at the base of their necks in the front. The broody does not need her crop to be completely full. Just finding something there is enough to tell you she has eaten.

It's a good idea to mark the eggs, so you can recognize if any other get laid in the nest (by other hens, or by the broody laying one last egg.) A pencil or crayon is fine for marking them.

 

[Flappy Bird]

Thank you for the replies! I apologize for responding late. All has been good with the broody hen as she remains devoted to her eggs!