I went out yesterday morning to find the non broody hens trying eat a chick. I checked the nest boxes and found 2 hens back in mama's box again. Decided it was worth the risk to move mama's eggs to the brooding pen. I very carefully moved her remaining 10 eggs to the new nest and tried keeping mama calm as I moved her and set her on the eggs. I finished the fencing yesterday afternoon and crossed my fingers.
I just went out and looked in the door and was surprised to see a little head sticking out from under mama's wing. I'm thrilled! I didn't expect to see any chicks until later today. I'm not going to disturb her but I'll bring my camera out next time and see if I can get a pic.
Super happy first timer!
I am sorry you were having trouble. So many have trouble with broody hens with the flock, some don't. I have had really torn up mother hens that were defending their babies when left with the flock and quiet a few dead chicks---even seen them die from a peck while I was standing there. I made up my mind a few years back----no more. Now and in the last several years I move all broodies to a private hatching pen----usually before I give them their eggs I choose for them. I keep some fake eggs. In 3 years I have set over 150 hens, all 150+ hens had great hatches. None of the 150+ mother hens have had to fight, none torn up. No dead chicks from other hens pecking them---I will never go back to the old way. Good Luck!