moving hen and eggs?

[flock-mama]

I have a hen sitting on 11 eggs, I don't think they will hatch, I want to move her and eggs to the nursery inside the coop. I have baby chicks coming in 9 days for her. I want her to feel comfortable in the nursery before the new babies get here. Will she still sit on eggs if I move her in? There is a gate so she couldn't get out but will she get on eggs and still sit on them? should I wait closer to time of chicks getting here? THanks.......

 

[flock-mama]

I have read so many post of trying to break a broody hen, and here I am affraid if I move her she will just stop and give up.

 

[Whirlwind]

Hi I have moved a broody 2 times. Both times she was a little fussy after for about 15 min or so. Then went right back to the nest. Both times I slipped babies under her because my eggs were not fertile. Put the babies under her at night when she can't see well. Hopefully by morning she will think they are hers and they will think she is momma. It worked great for me both times. I think if she is really broody she will go back to the nest ok after you move it. I could not keep mine of the nest if I wanted to. You could even try moving her at night too. Good luck. Let us know how it goes. Cindy

 

[flock-mama]

Do you think I should wait until closer to picking up babies, or do it now/tonight? I have 8 days until babies come. Where I want to put her she can't get out. Thank you......

 

[flock-mama]

So I never moved my hen and eggs. I was going to last night but we came home late. This morning I see 1 baby so far out of 11 eggs. I also have the post of Found missing hen. Sorry just was excited!!!!!!! I have a baby!!!

 

[Whirlwind]

Congrats on your baby!!! Did you get more? Sorry I am so slow to answer you back. I Hope you got more chicks. Are they not super fun to watch with momma hen. Later Cindy

 

[Silkie's Grandma]

I move hens (nest box & all) to the brooder room all the time when they are on eggs. (I have never had one leave the eggs) I have Silkies though, & they are famous for being good brooders. I always keep my hens hatching eggs & with chicks seperate from the flock for a couple weeks. Long enough to make sure the chicks know what food & water are for. (plus it gives mom bonding time alone with her babies)

good luck

 

[flock-mama]

Thanks for all the luck! I now have 8 chicks. They started hatching last wed. and it took til friday to complete the hatching. 3 eggs never made it past 4-5 days of development. So friday I did move the hen and 8 chicks with 3 eggs to nursery, she stayed on the eggs for a few hours, then got up and started to teach the babies. I am very happy with 8 BUT I had ordered 5 BO's thinking those eggs would not hatch. So this wed. I pick them up, I hope she takes them on. She seems to be a very good mommy.

 

[Whirlwind]

she will probably take them ok. Put them where she can hear them and see how she acts. If she acts like they are hers and tries to get to them all the better. If she doesnt seem interested put them under her at night and it will probably be fine. From what I have read on here she willl probably want them anyway. Good luck again and congrats on your 8 babies.

 

[flock-mama]

So you think when I get new chicks I can show her them in the daytime? I was going to shove them under her at night and hope for the best and check in the morning.