info on broody hen

[newchickens2009]

HELLO I HAVE A HEN THAT WENT BROODY TODAY. SHE IS SITTING ON 12 EGGS AND IS IN A COOP WITH 2 OTHER HENS AND A ROOSTER. 1 OF THE OTHER HENS IS A LEGHORN AND IS VERY BOSSY. SHOULD I MOVE THE BROODY HEN INTO ANOTHER COOP? IF SO WHEN AND HOW? I AM NEW TO CHICKENS AND THIS IS MY FIRST TRY AT THIS SO ANY INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

[suebee]

If your coop is big enough to make a nice nest spot by herself, then do that. I've made nice broody nests with cardboard, or window screens,...just as long as the others don't bother her. The best spot is on the floor. If you get her down now, you won't have to move her later. Most times, no matter how bossy the other hens, it's no match for a determined broody.

 

[Judy]

It is safer to separate a broody, but some people do not. If you do not separate her, you need to mark the eggs under her (a Sharpie works well.) Others may try to add to the clutch, and you need to remove new additions, so the eggs hatch around the same time.

Here is a very good article on broodies:

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html

 

[newchickens2009]

THANK YOU BOTH FOR THE GOOD TIPS. I WILL DO MY BEST AND HOPE EVERYTHING WORKS OUT. WILL UP DATE THE FORUM WHEN AND IF THEY HATCH.