Old Fashioned Broody Hen Hatch A Long and Informational Thread

[2 Russo Chicks]

That's the stage we r at now, she has not left that nest at all for a couple days now. I have food and water in the nest box next to her. I tried to put food in the nest but she pecked the crap out of me just for getting close

 

[dawnpel]

Is yours in the coop with the other chickens?

 

[2 Russo Chicks]

Yes she is , but I am hoping to put her and the chicks once hatched in a modified large dog crate. We will see how that goes. My chickens are not tame like others on here.

 

[dawnpel]

I am wondering if i should leave them in the coop or move them out once they are born. My hopes were to leave them and mama would protect them from the other chickens. Am i wrong? Any thought anyone?

 

[dawnpel]

I am wondering if i should leave them in the coop or move them out once they are born. My hopes were to leave them and mama would protect them from the other chickens. Am i wrong? Any thought anyone?

 

[2 Russo Chicks]

I think it depends on the situation and the hen. If you can move her and the chicks without her freaking out on you then that would be the best for the chicks to protect them from the other hens. I am just winging this so I don't think there is a right or wrong way. Tomorrow is our 20th day, how close are you to hatching?

 

[CanuckWinter]

I bought a broody EE hen with her eggs a couple of weeks back. I thought the move stressed her out and she was always kicking the eggs out and seemed to be off the nest all the time the first couple of days. I thought they werent going to hatch and I should pull them out, but I am so glad I did not as I now have two fluffy little chicks running around.

 

[dawnpel]

Mine has only been sitting on her eggs since Friday. Maybe i will fence off that portion of the coop till i see how she is with them. Canuck, congrat on your now chicks!

 

[CanuckWinter]

My hen was fenced off inside the coop. I took the fence down today as the chicks were getting through it and momma was stuck. So I removed it so she could protect the chicks if need be. So far the have been fine, I'll be worried about them all night though

 

[dawnpel]

Did your other chickens bother the babies any? Do they stay close to momma? Sorry for all these questions, first timer here,,,lol