Talk to me about the last few days of incubation with a broody.....

[naturemom]

I have a broody hen sitting on 6 eggs. I tried moving her, but she wouldn't settle on the new nest, so she's in the chicken tractor with the other girls. I know this can present some problems. I've been checking every day and removing any eggs that they lay in the nest she's in, and making sure she goes back to the same nest after she goes out to eat, drink, and potty.
I'm thinking I should put up a barrier around her when it gets close to hatching time so the other hens will leave her and the eggs/chicks alone, but that would also mean she can't leave the nest. Is there a point when the chicks are close to hatching where the hen doesn't get off the nest anymore until they are hatched? If so, when is that? After the babies hatch, can I move her and them, or will she want to stay in the same nest?
They're not due to hatch until April 10, but I'd like to have my plan well in advance.

 

[jimnjay]

A broody will usually not leave the nest for the last two - three days. She can feel and hear the chicks progress and will stay put unless something awful happens. Parasite infestation might cause her to get off the eggs briefly to dust. Once the eggs are hatched I would take her and chicks then to a safer place. She will most likely protect them but you never know how the others will react. When there is lots of room to range and for her to take them to a safe place they can usually be left with the flock but in a tractor it might be hard on them all.

 

[Chicken Girl]

Quote:
Thank you! My broody is on day 22 and she has not left the nest today or yesterday! I hope thats y! Not even for appels! Pls help us more!
LOL THANKS!


Chicken Girl

 

[naturemom]

OK, so I'll block off the nest around the 8th. I'll also be sure to open the tractor those days so the other hens can be out and not bothering her. Thanks for the advice!