UPDATE...Ok so I'm letting my broody sit. I have some questions...

[katrinag]

That is a bad bird. I would be worried that if you had another broody she would steal and eat her eggs.

IMHO I would but her in the stockpot. Nothing like some wonder chicken and dumplings.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I will never allow one to go broody in that hen house again. So I will keep her...she's my best layer (she lays every single day except when she was broody) she is already back to laying! She's a good girl otherwise but she is just not mother material. I'm going to keep the hatching in the silkie pens I think. I can't wait to try again but I sure hope my silkies go broody SOON! I would like the babies to grow up before winter again.

 

[Ellie]

I agree, not to have the eggs hatch around other hens. Do you think this might have been part of the problem?

I always heard that we were to separate them when hatching so the other hens would not hurt or kill them?

Sorry, though... that is a horrible thing to witness.

I am glad you are keeping her... it may be different next time if she is by herself.

 

[PortageGirl]

Mine hatch right where they're at, but like I said, the flock is used to the phenomenon. Several experienced mammas around and other hens nervous about respecting the mamma’s turf!!! The other mammas might act curious and interested, but not agressive at all. I'm going to start transitioning my flock to mostly Buckeyes and Sussex, but will still keep my NHR and mutt broodies to teach the others how to act. Good broodies are worth their weight in gold.