Moving a nest??

[suzykorn]

Help, I'm not sure what to do.. We let our broody hen sit on about 9 or 10 eggs, layed by her and a couple of the other hens (within a few days) I didn't expect them to hatch as the rooster had just started crowing that week (we are newbie chicken owners) she made her nest in a dark area of our goat pen. Anyway, one hatched two days ago and seems healthy, eating and drinking. She's still sitting on the other eggs. I tried to block off the area so the other hens/goats can't get in and the chick can't get out but the goat keep on breaking in to get to the chick starter. I worry something will happen. Can I move the eggs and chick and hen into a big closed in cage within the big coop? It would be so safe for her but I'm not sure if she will sit back on eggs or if it will stress her out? What should I do? Also, do I need to put in a heat lamp or remove the chicks to a brooder? Or will the mom take care of them? We are in San Diego so days are hot and nights not too cool. Thanks in advance for your help!!!!

 

[iwiw60]

Yes, you can move her, but be prepared for chaos from the broody. Have your new setup cage all ready with fresh bedding, water and feed. DO THIS AT NIGHT TIME. Wear long-sleeve shirt and gloves (you'll figure that out soon enough!). Be quiet and talk gently to your broody telling her it's okay, follow me. Then PICK UP THE ENTIRE NEST, EGGS, CHICKS AND ALL and move it to the new area. Trust me, that broody will be right on your tail end! Stay awhile and make sure your broody is settling in and then all will be well in nursery-land once again. Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

 

[suzykorn]

Ok- we decided to move her.. It went really well! I didn't see your post till just now so we didn't wait till evening. (And we didn't wear gloves!!!!) We realized they should be in a safe controlled environment. So, my four year old, who is a chicken whisperer, and I set up the new coop. We got all the other hens and goats in a separate area. Then , my brave 4 year old and I crawled iN towards her nest and grabbed the hen and brought her to new coop.. She was mad but didn't peck. We then put the eggs in the new roosting box with some hay and moved them and the baby to the new area. Success!! She settled down once she found her eggs and the baby nestled under her wing. They are both eating and drinking water and the chick is much more adventurous (and safe) yay! Thank you for your reply!

 

[iwiw60]

You're very very welcome! So glad it turned out well for you. Take good care of that broody...she sounds like a winner for sure. Just think, no more having to mess with a brooder box...YAY!

Keep us updated and send pics of your little ones when and if you can!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

If the hen has her own movable nest box (which she should) after dark close up the nest box, hen, chick, eggs and all then quietly and gently move it to its own small and safe pen. If your hen took to her nest with all the eggs currently under her you may as well ditch the rest of the eggs.

If talking to a hen helps your nerves, then by all means chat your hen up.

Reaching into the nest is the best way I know to provoke a mama hen into killing every chick under her in her misguided attempt to fight you to protect her clutch from the perceived threat that you pose. Nice and easy is the best policy (like out of sight and in silent darkness) and even unaccustomed things like long sleeves and gloves may convince a setting hen that a strange calico and leather devil is out to eat her and her chicks. The way that a hen acted before she hatches chicks is no guarantee that she'll act that way after she hatches chicks.

 

[iwiw60]

She removed the broody before moving the nest....just sayin'...I think she did great!!