My first broody lockdown questions

[ChickenGirl555]

So today is day 18 of incubation with my broody and her 4 eggs. She’s been nesting in the main “Blue Coop” with her whole flock. Only two other chickens lay or want to lay in her nest. Do I have to worry about these other hens spinning and moving the eggs? Should I do something or let it be? I’m just worried that these other hens will ruin the hatch and ultimately kill the eggs.

 

[Ridgerunner]

With living animals no one can honestly give guarantees, anything can happen. Some people have had issues with what you describe. I've let my hens hatch with the flock for many years an never had any problems with that.

I don't know what your options are. At this stage I'd be more worried about causing problems trying to move her than just let her be.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

With living animals no one can honestly give guarantees, anything can happen. Some people have had issues with what you describe. I've let my hens hatch with the flock for many years an never had any problems with that.

I don't know what your options are. At this stage I'd be more worried about causing problems trying to move her than just let her be.

Alright then I guess im stuck with letting her do her thing...I just hope it goes well!

 

[sourland]

I'd be reluctant to move her at this point in the game, but would arrange things so that the other birds do not have access to the nest. Pipping weakens the shell, and their jostling in the nest might result in the crushing of the eggs and chicks.

 

[ncymst]

So today is day 18 of incubation with my broody and her 4 eggs. She’s been nesting in the main “Blue Coop” with her whole flock. Only two other chickens lay or want to lay in her nest. Do I have to worry about these other hens spinning and moving the eggs? Should I do something or let it be? I’m just worried that these other hens will ruin the hatch and ultimately kill the eggs.

I let my broody hen hatch eggs last year but the problem was since she would get up and let the other hens lay where her eggs were that we were letting her hatch she got up when an egg was just hatched and the hen actually sat on the new chick and killed it. The baby was still wet just hatched so please watch that the other hens don’t bully her and make her leave. We ended up blocking off the nesting box she was in so they couldn’t bother her with the rest

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Well the hatching happened sometime last night or early this morning, and everything seemed to be well when I got there. 3 eggs hatched, and one wasn’t fertile, or at least was a dud. I’ve had the flock free ranging all day and supervising when they needed to lay eggs. Everything’s going great so far!