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?
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.