New Broody hen

[afsinyard]

I've never had a broody hen before but now one of my Black Australorps is sitting on a clutch of about 12 eggs. She's been there about three days now. I have a few questions: If and when the eggs hatch do I need to move her and the babies? I have 10 other hens and a rooster .Also, My hen house is elevated off the ground about three feet with a fairly steep ramp. I have an alternate run I can put her in once the eggs are hatched but I don't want to if I don't have to.

 

[sourland]

If your coop/pen are large enough, flock raising generally works well especially if the hen has a high ranking in the pecking order. Initially the elevated coop and steep ramp will most likely cause problems, and you may have to help the chicks access the coop.