Should I move broody hen in cage?

[Jenjens]

I have a first time broody hen. (My youngest lol) I can't say how far along the eggs are but, by the timing , within a week to hatch (one maybe sooner - she stole another one along the way) I have 8 other chickens, including a rooster. To be honest, I don't even know if they are all even fertile because I used a small flashlight and I really couldn't see much because the eggs are too dark. I think we have one winner though.

I am babbling, sorry. Should I place her in a dog kennel and keep her in the coop? She is in the coop laying on her nest right now, and am not sure if I should separate her that way, so the other chickens can still see what is going on? I have a full time job, so this can happen when I am not around. I don't know if the others will harm the babies or if they will run off and never be seen again.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thank you!

 

[sourland]

As long as the flock is not disturbing her or adding eggs to the clutch, I would not chance moving her until the chicks have hatched. Then I might consider separating her from the flock until the chicks are completely mobile.