I just don't know how to tell if she's broody :S

[Happy Camper]

This would be my first time dealing with a broody hen... I let her accumulate 5 eggs and she's been "up there" in her nest since yesterday. This morning she came down to get her feed and when I went back to check on her she was back in her nest...
Is it ok that she leaves her nest to eat exactly when I come to feed them? Should I put her feed inside the nest?
I want so bad to think she's serious about this...

 

[sourland]

Don't feed her in the nest. It is perfectly normal for her to leave the eggs, eat, drink, maybe take a dust bath and POOP. If she does not have to leave the nest to eat and drink she may very well defecate in the nest. Good luck with your hatch.

 

[chickenlover3]

It very well sounds like she is brody. If you want to be positive check her under side every few days to see if she is plucking off her feathers. It is great that she is leaving her nest to go get food. You also want to make sure she is also drinking water. What I do is every day I spread a little food around her so if she does not want to get up and eat there is food write in front of her for her to munch on.
Good luck on your hatch!

 

[Happy Camper]

Yeeeeessss!!!! I think she is broody... I tried to get my hand close to her and she pecked back!!!! That means she's protecting the nest right??? I was so happy to get pecked

Yesterday was my birthday so I guess this is her gift to me .... I can't believe she gave me so much trouble in the past pecking and eating her eggs... she's recovered now and I hope is a good mommy and doesn't quit half way through...

I'm gonna be a grandma,

I'm gonna be a grandma,

I'm gonna be a grandma,

I'm gonna be a grandma!!!!

 

[sourland]

By my calculations, it's 2 days to hatch. Update when you have chicks. Good luck for a successful hatch.