Sitting Hen

[Francischick]

I have a year old hen that is sitting for her first time. My other hens still want to lay their eggs in the same box as well. I only have three hens laying right now.If I mark the eggs that have been in there with her will she continue to sit. She gets very upset when you mess with the eggs I am thinking just leave her and them alone until they hatch and get rid of the other ones. Anyone have any thoughts what I should do.

 

[luvtohatch]

I use broody hens to hatch out as well. My girls are very good with me so I always mark the eggs and then check to take out unmarked eggs every day. Otherwise your hen will soon have too many eggs under her to turn them properly and some eggs will generally end up broken. Not to mention the guilt factor of throwing away eggs that you know could hatch out in the next two or three days. Another option is to make a little broody pen and move her so the other hens can't get to her nest. This improves the chances of survival for the hatching chicks as well.

 

[lclough1998]

I would move her. The 2nd poster has all the reasons. I would set up a large dog crate or something, have it all ready, then at night transfer her eggs and her to hopefully keep her broody, then leave her alone.Congrats, love broodies! make sure she has room to get off the eggs to poop and has food and water available,