- Mar 21, 2010
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Hi! We just lost a chicken and as according to the chicken math, we "must" replace it with at least 2 more. So, we happened to have a hen who had just gone broody and placed 3 eggs under her on the 1st., so we are expecting them to hatch around this weekend. She is a "lower ranking" hen and I had to kinda pen her in so the others wouldn't kick her off of her nest. Now she has been setting on a nest under the roost in this penned off area. She shows no signs of wanting to get out, so I remove her from the nest every day or two so she can poo, she has food and water she reaches from the nest. She has an area of about 6'x2' with the nest in the back corner. When ever I have let her out, some of the other hens pester her. So, here is my question: Is she going to be able to protect her chicks or should I leave them penned in? For how long? Should I open the pen up now, before they hatch, and see what happens? I would really appreciate ANY advise! Thanks in advance!
edited for spelling....
edited for spelling....
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