To Move or Not to Move?

[arhartman]

I thought my hen had become coyote bait, only to find her a few days later, nesting in the barn wall. Turns out she’s sitting on 10 eggs, and after candling a few of them, there are definitely some that are fertile. She’s been sitting for somewhere between 8-12 days. Her nest is almost 5 feet off the ground (pics below).

My question is, do I try to move her to a coop with her eggs, or leave her to hatch her babies where they are?

I’m not concerned about them falling out, and I can relocate mama and babies once they arrive, but if they don’t all hatch close together, I’m concerned I’ll be in a predicament?

First timer here, would love anyone’s feedback!

 

[Teila]

Hey there arhartman

I note that no-one has answered your question and I believe that this is probably because there is no right answer.

If you move her and the eggs while she is broody, she may give up. Having said that, I have determined, broody bantams who I can move and who do not give up.

Once hatched, you definitely could move her somewhere safer for the chicks as once she has bonded with them, she should stay with them.

While I can not answer your question, I have a couple of suggestions:

If you decide to move her and she does give up; if you are keen to hatch the eggs, have an incubator on stand by.

If you decide to leave her and the chicks, fashion some sort of staggered configuration which, if the chicks were to fall, would break that fall and also give them the opportunity to get up and down.

Me, personally, I would take the chance of moving her and the eggs to somewhere safe and secluded but on the ground.

Good luck!

 

[arhartman]

Hi @Teila, thanks for the reply. That’s kind of what I’m leaning towards- that is, moving her, however being her first time (and mine!) I have no idea if she’ll stay on the eggs. Time will tell I guess if I make the right decision.

 

[moniquem]

Thats perfectly cozy for a nest...

 

[arhartman]

Yes it’s a perfect spot! She was hiding there for 3 days before I noticed her. Silly hen.

 

[Hope Hughes]

I agree with @Teila if it was me I would move her. I move all my hens that find their random nest to go broody.
But I do it at night... I wait about 2hrs after the sun goes down so I know she is pretty settled and them move her to a nursery or a big dog box.
And I definitely agree on the incubation part. Cover all the bases.
Alot of chickens do get their broody broken when moved, and others are fine.
Just have to determine if you want to take the chance.
Keep us updated!
Good luck!​

 

[arhartman]

Thanks @Hope Hughes. I really don’t want to get incubator...but if I must, well, we’ll see what happens.

 

[Hope Hughes]

Thanks @Hope Hughes. I really don’t want to get incubator...but if I must, well, we’ll see what happens.

You could always check CL or your local FB yardsale or farm page. They are always posting stuff like that. I heard of one lady finding a local farm that hatched her eggs for her. That might be an option
Just note though once you get an incubator there is no turning back. You become addicted to hatching them yourself
​

 

[arhartman]

That’s what I’m afraid of! My husband is already shaking his head in disbelief of the broody, I don’t think I’ll get away with an bator.

 

[Hope Hughes]

You can ALWAYS justify more chickens!
Eggs & meat.
The eggs can be sold or eaten.
The meat could be eaten or sold.
The chicken can be sold.
The chicks can be sold.
The hatching eggs can be sold
The possibilities are endless!!
See there is always a plus with chickens.

(I know it's hard for alot of people the view the eating part that way but we look at it as though we know what we are getting and it's way healthier and cleaner meat. And too many roos get annoying and mean. )​