Success! I went in several hours after dark, using my red-bulb headlamp. I go in every night to count them and make sure everything is closed up, etc., so they are used to that.Anyway she pecked at me a little but nothing painful. I moved her, then moved the eggs in two batches and she stayed settled immediately, started making little happy soft chirps once she realized the eggs were under her again. She was in the batch that was raised in the separate brooder in that same spot last spring, so she may have recognized the idea of "safe space" being there when I brought in the crate and set it up this afternoon.
Thank you all so VERY VERY much. I'm really glad I did this, I feel so much safer with her safer.
Wanted to remind you of my last post. I have a new question related to my broody hen, who is still setting, our very first broody. This coming Friday is 21 days since she settled. I have her in a wire dog crate on the floor of the main coop, it's 38" deep by 25" wide, about 30" high. She's got water and food, a big nest of hay, and a thick layer of pine chips on the bottom that I've been replenishing as I've taken them out with her big poops. Been feeding her special treats every day (her fave is pomegranate seeds), sitting with her and making sure she eats. I candled the eggs about day 13 and she has 10 developing eggs (I removed the 1 clear).
My question is, if we do get any live hatches, how do I manage them? Immediately open the crate door and let her and the chicks come and go at will? Leave the crate door closed, and if so, for how long? Any recommendations?
Also, the eggs are from 2-3 days of laying so there are 2-3 different "day 21". It's been said they may set for another day or two, or not. Was thinking I might rush any she abandons to my incubator. Thoughts?
Thank you for any help. To repeat-- I am asking for help here because I know many of you a bit, and it's just easier for me to understand your advice.
--V