nesting and mama drama

[9chickysandRI]

Hi! I have a lil bantam that started collecting and then laying on eggs (that aren't even hers) and it has caused all sorts of drama in the coop. She has always been our small submissive hen. So they tend to harass her while she is holed up in the nesting box. Still on her, pecking at her, stealing the eggs from her. But every time I turn around she goes steals more eggs to tuck under her to hatch.I marked the eggs so I can keep track of when they should hatch ect but My concern is she may not be able to take care of the chicks once they hatch due to her being so submissive. Will she suddenly get bolder or with the other hens not mess with the babies? I'm more than happy to take over if needed but I rather not. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[iwiw60]

If it were me and I had a 'determined' broody I would be moving her and the ENTIRE nest, eggs and all, to a broody pen (be sure to wear a long-sleeve shirt and gloves!)...do this at night. You can use a dog crate or something similar. Keep her in with the other girls so she can see them but they can't get to HER. Make sure she has water an feed, and then start ..... counting the days!! Let us know how it goes!!

Here's a great page with tons of good advice:

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/search?q=broody+hatch

 

[9chickysandRI]

I thought about that but I was worried it would make her more of the outcast.... but I actually have a wired dog kennel just like the picture, that I could place in the chicken pen so they cant get to her physically. Thanks!

 

[Ibicella]

I think you've got the right idea putting the kennel into the coop or run. It's better to have a "broody spot" actually in the henhouse so she's still part of the flock and the pecking order, but the other birds can't get to her or her nest and harass her.

Good luck!

 

[iwiw60]

Let us know how the "move" goes!!

 

[9chickysandRI]

Quote:

I think you've got the right idea putting the kennel into the coop or run. It's better to have a "broody spot" actually in the henhouse so she's still part of the flock and the pecking order, but the other birds can't get to her or her nest and harass her.

Good luck!

That's a good idea, how would you suggest setting that up? I have noticed my girls tend to pile up on each other or they use the same box vs the other 9 boxes lol

 

[Ibicella]

You can set up your dog crate in a corner of the coop if possible, and then move her and her nest to it. Keep the crate door closed so the other birds don't try to get into it.