New to this

[Hoppyhen]

Hello everyone

I know I'm probably going to be really annoying with what I going to ask but as we may becoming 'grandparents' in the next few weeks we want to know what to do

We recently got (about 3 weeks ago) 3 bantams and a cockerel to add to our 7 hen family. They've all integrated pretty well and, surprisingly no complaints from the neighbours about Rodney. Two days ago one of the bantams went missing and we found her the next day squeezed between some trellis fencing, I initially thought she was ill but she came out later to eat and drink and seemed fine. She didn't go to bed with the others again last night and after her coming out today we checked and she's laid 8 eggs there.
The first thing we need to know is, can we move the eggs to a spare coop we've got for her to sit on or will she abandon them? If she was to hatch any chicks where she is they wouldn't be able to get out. If we could get her into the coop, we've got a run that we could also use so would also be safe if the chicks hatch.
I know a friend has talked about incubating, is this the best way to hatch or could we leave them with mum to do it naturally? The eggs are on a gravelly slab so don't know if they'd amount to anything anyway.
A friend said to make a small box/coop and put them in there and she'd be fine but I've seen the set up she used and didn't like it

I've got loads more questions but at this stage these are the most pressing questions

Thanks in advance, I look forward to any advice

x

 

[bobbi-j]

It's entirely up to you if you move them. If they're safe from predators where they are, you could leave them where they are. If you decide to move them, it usually works well to do it at night. There is no guarantee she won't abandon the nest, but bantams are usually good broodies and easy to move .

 

[five is my dog]

i prefer leaving her in with the others. just put her in a nest/dog kennel the others have never been in.

 

[Hoppyhen]

Thanks bobbi-j & five is my dog. A predator couldn't get to her at the moment but if the chicks hatch they'll get caught where they are. She's behind some trellis fencing with chicken wire going over it & it's over grown with foliage & tbh I don't know how she's getting in & out of there but the chicks would definately be caught. I could make a separate nest for her in the shed with the others or make up the small coop & keep her nesting separately....eek not sure what would be for the best

 

[bobbi-j]

Unless mama is flying or hopping in and out, the babies would be able to follow her out when the time comes for them to leave the nest. After all, they'll be smaller than she is and if she can get through.... Keep us posted.

 

[Hoppyhen]

She's actually climbing up through some trellis fencing & ivy where there's a gap in the chicken wire. I've set up a coop near the site where she is & am going to get her & the eggs out tonight, I hope I don't distress her too much as we'll have to cut the fencing around her...will let you know, thanks bobbi-j