- Sep 12, 2012
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She laid the eggs and hatched them outside of the coop... but inside of your fence?
Did she leave the fence before she sat on the eggs?
As long as she successfully hatched them there, I'd leave them all there. She'll protect them from the roosters, the duck, and most other animals that wouldn't dare cross a broody hen. There are exceptions (I had a problem with a snake once) but not many. If you don't have problems with cats, racoons, foxes, or similar creatures in your yard, then let her have her way and raise them herself. Broody hens are excellent protectors when it comes to their young. And if she insisted on hatching them from the bucket, maybe she thinks the bucket has an added safety feature that isn't available in the coop.
Did she leave the fence before she sat on the eggs?
As long as she successfully hatched them there, I'd leave them all there. She'll protect them from the roosters, the duck, and most other animals that wouldn't dare cross a broody hen. There are exceptions (I had a problem with a snake once) but not many. If you don't have problems with cats, racoons, foxes, or similar creatures in your yard, then let her have her way and raise them herself. Broody hens are excellent protectors when it comes to their young. And if she insisted on hatching them from the bucket, maybe she thinks the bucket has an added safety feature that isn't available in the coop.
