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Moving Broodies Nest

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by mooman, May 6, 2008.

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  1. May 6, 2008 #1
    mooman

    mooman Dirty Egg Eater

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    Apr 9, 2008
    Marietta, SC
    I have a broody hen in a nest box about two feet off the ground. The box is shared by all four chickens in the coop/tractor. I am planning on putting some fertile eggs under her. I was wondering if I remove the nesting platform/box in the evening and make her a nice nest in a dark corner of the coop, and put the eggs on them will she set on it or will she go nuts trying to find the non-existant box? I was then going to replace the box in the moring so the other hens can lay there. Will she abandon the ground nest? Any guesses?
     

  4. May 6, 2008 #2
    okiehen

    okiehen Songster

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    Oct 25, 2007
    Oklahoma
    With a broody, the best thing to do is move her to a safe place away from the other hens. Do so at night. The other hens if they can get to her nest will and will lay eggs .
    And if broody can get to old nest just might leave the eggs.
    If you do it right she will stay set.
    I move my broody to a pet taxi , out of the coop. My set up now and this worked last time. Is the pet taxi, with a dog crate door open taxi in front of it so she can do her thing. Water and food are in the crate. I have it wire together. And right before hatch is due, I'll move broody and her taxi nest, in my tractor . When she is up with all the chicks I take out the taxi.
    Hope this helps, best of luck.
     

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