I have a broody chicken! help!

[Rin the new chicken owner]

I have owned chickens for 4 years now and have never had a broody chicken. My first 4 ended up having a surprise with a silkie rooster.
I have never had a broody chicken, but I brought new chicks into the picture last spring.
I have been enjoying a plentiful supply of eggs that I use and give to friends at work. However, I recently noticed one of my new chickens is acting broody. I'm not sure what to do! I live in SouthEast Idaho and we have had a few snowfalls already with temperatures dropping to low 10's at night.
What should I do?
She will not leave these eggs and I am unsure if I should take the eggs from her?
A part of me things it would be amazing to see chicks, but do people usually bring them in to an incubator?
What do you recommend?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I recommend breaking her. If you want to hatch waiting until spring or summer is better for everyone involved. Generally if they go broody once they go broody repeatedly.

 

[Rin the new chicken owner]

Thank you! I am so sensitive and felt so bad when she was so aggressive towards me protecting her precious eggs. Should I just take the eggs? Is that how breaking a broody hen works?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you! I am so sensitive and felt so bad when she was so aggressive towards me protecting her precious eggs. Should I just take the eggs? Is that how breaking a broody hen works?

Take the eggs for sure. Don't feel too bad. She will be better off being broke as setting is physically draining, and you don't want her getting behind during the winter.

You will need to put her in a wire bottomed crate slightly elevated off the ground for 3-5 days. Otherwise sometimes just penning them up so they can't get back to the nest works for some.

She will be frantic to return to her nest, but she will feel better after she's broke. Being broody is a hormonal state.

 

[Rin the new chicken owner]

Thank you! I appreciate feedback from experts!