I have a hen thats been sitting on eggs for at least 5 days now. I live in south texas. Should I worry about her getting water? I don't watch her 24-7 but I haven't seen her out of that nest at all. I've had broody hens in the past but they all seem to lose interest after about 2-3 days...or as soon as I put new feed out for them. This one seems really promising. Oh, also, her laying box is about 3.5 to 4 feet off the ground. Should I worry about the chicks falling when they hatch? Thanks for the info!!
How does she act when you get close or put your hand under her? If she growls, puffs up, or clucks that's a good indication she is broody! Also, to answer the question about the height of the nest box: The chicks will hatch and the hen will stay on the nest with them for maybe a day or so. When it is obvious that all the eggs have hatched that are going to hatch, you can go ahead and move them out of the box to an area set up for the chicks and mama.
Mom & chicks will leave the nest about 3 days after hatching. The chicks will jump out at that heighth, no problem. They seem to be made of rubber.
She ruffles her feathers, growles, and even bites if I get too close. Should I worry about her getting water? or do they jump down and drink when nobody's looking?? Also, when they hatch should I fix a box that's lower on the ground in the coup? Or should I put their box in a separate area outside the coup? Right now their laying boxes and roosts are about 3 to 5 feet off the ground. They free range all day but at night they are used to going in the coup to sleep.
