I have a couple of silkie hens that have made their nests in places other than the nesting boxes. What is the best way to move them and their eggs? (if there is a best way )
You can move the eggs and the mothers-with them--if you have a coop that you can actually close that can also help alot--this way they wont get "lost!" Good Luck!! Hope you can have some healthy hatches!
You'll want to do the move as late at night as possible. And definitely make sure you can close them up with their nest for at least a day. They will try to go back to their nest (where it was). So giving them a spot where they have to stay makes them realize that is their nest. Make the nest almost empty in the middle and smashed down really well on the edges (like they would have made it). Then move the eggs first and then (quickly) the hen. Some will abandon the nest, but I have never had a Silkie abandon any nest when moved. They are just sitting machines!! Have fun with your little Silkie babies!!!