i have a broody who is at about 18 days...

[Crs1]

she is setting in a nest that is 2 feet off the floor. I am worried about the chicks when they hatch. what would you suggest?

 

[SueT]

I am thinking I may have to face the same issue, one hen's favorite nest is an elevated one. i would make it so I can put the nest on the floor in a private penned off part of the coop.
I will be interested to hear of people's experiences moving a broody either before or after hatching chicks, and what the experts recommend.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I'd make some kind of barrier to keep the hatched chicks from falling, and then get them all on the floor once they all hatch.

 

[Crs1]

My husband put a piece of chicken wire on the front so she or the chicks can get out. So now should I worry about her getting out once a day to eat and go poo?

 

[50-45-1]

I have a separate pen for my broodies. It gives me a chance to make sure they get there chick starter and chick booster. Also protected from flock bullies.
I reintroduce hen and chicks after a couple weeks when chicks are well established.
The best way to move a chicken is after dark. Its less tramatic and stressful.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

I have a separate pen for my broodies. It gives me a chance to make sure they get there chick starter and chick booster. Also protected from flock bullies.
I reintroduce hen and chicks after a couple weeks when chicks are well established.
The best way to move a chicken is after dark. Its less tramatic and stressful.

Do you give medicated chick starter?

 

[50-45-1]

No, non-medicated.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

My husband put a piece of chicken wire on the front so she or the chicks can get out. So now should I worry about her getting out once a day to eat and go poo?

I put a feeder and waterer in the nest next to the one with the broody and chicks so they can all eat. The mom will need to be able to get out so she can poop.

 

[Crs1]

The nest she is in is 12x12 and enclosed so I can’t put anything else in with her and I tried moving her and it was a disaster of course it was this morning. She did eat and poop while out tho.
And I do have a seperate place but now I guess I will have to move them after they hatch