Should I move my hen

[Maceeda23]

My hen nested in the brush outside the coop. Not wanting to bother her I set up a shelter to keep her out if the elements and provided her small rations of food and water to keep her healthy. Shes around hatching time so I check in her a few times a day. Just a check that shes still alive and breathing. I checked on her not long ago and found an open egg. It was clearly alive because there was vains all through the inside but no baby. Now we have stray cats running around I assume the poor thing was eaten.......with this in mind I want to move the hen somewhere safer. But I'm worried she will abandon the eggs. What do you think I should do........

 

[silkie1472]

A picture of the setup would help more, but depending on how big of a change it is for her would determine her reaction. If she is in a dark area, try making her another somewhere safer. I, personally, would move her at night. I would move the eggs, then place her on top of them. The less she sees, the less stress she will feel.

 

[Maceeda23]

A picture of the setup would help more, but depending on how big of a change it is for her would determine her reaction. If she is in a dark area, try making her another somewhere safer. I, personally, would move her at night. I would move the eggs, then place her on top of them. The less she sees, the less stress she will feel.

Shes just out in the grass. I have a few large dog carriers with solid walls. I was just going to put it out where she is and move her into it. Just something safer

 

[Shadrach]

My hen nested in the brush outside the coop. Not wanting to bother her I set up a shelter to keep her out if the elements and provided her small rations of food and water to keep her healthy. Shes around hatching time so I check in her a few times a day. Just a check that shes still alive and breathing. I checked on her not long ago and found an open egg. It was clearly alive because there was vains all through the inside but no baby. Now we have stray cats running around I assume the poor thing was eaten.......with this in mind I want to move the hen somewhere safer. But I'm worried she will abandon the eggs. What do you think I should do........

Move her. I realise the tendency is often to worry about the eggs and chicks but a hen that has gone broody is likely to do it again. All you need is to be patient.
If you have a spare coop or another suitable site; even a nest box in the coop would do I would put her there. Do it at dusk if she is in no immediate danger.
My advice would be to not feed her at her nest. Get her up once a day. Make sure she comes out of the broody trance and feed her away from the nest. Also provide a place for her to dust bath.

 

[silkie1472]

I think that moving her into the dog crate would be a good idea. Just give her some grass and do it at night to reduce stress.

 

[Maceeda23]

Move her. I realise the tendency is often to worry about the eggs and chicks but a hen that has gone broody is likely to do it again. All you need is to be patient.
If you have a spare coop or another suitable site; even a nest box in the coop would do I would put her there. Do it at dusk if she is in no immediate danger.
My advice would be to not feed her at her nest. Get her up once a day. Make sure she comes out of the broody trance and feed her away from the nest. Also provide a place for her to dust bath.

I had intended to move her into a dog kennel not far from where she is. Solid walls would keep her and the babies safe. But she could stay outside and get some sunshine. And I sit with her while she eats because if I dont the other birds come and bug her trying to take it from her.