week one

[nellynelly]

i have broody hen sitting on some eggs. she is still sitting away after 1 week. 1 down, 2 to go.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

good luck
I had 2 go broody in two different pens about a week ago.
Yesterday I found one had abandoned her eggs and was sitting on two in another nest. I picked her up and put her back on the cold eggs. I have my fingers crossed. First time broody pullets are worrisome.

 

[nellynelly]

she is a real mean one, does not let the other ladies lay in her nest. she also has a friend in the coop keeping her company. another hen is sitting, but not on eggs and not even broody. if i go near them, the second one bolts out of teh coop. but returns after i leave. she is just a sitting buddy.

 

[nellynelly]

ok, so now i am literally counting my chickens before they hatch....but i have a few questions. the nest box is 2' off the ground, will the chicks be able to get down? also, what then, will mom build a nest on the ground? if so, will rodents be an issue? should i put a bucket on its side on the ground for a nest? ramp to the elevated nest box? also, i assume because mom was left with the flock, the chicks will be accepted. oh yeah, she is on 10 eggs.

the flock is small, 10 hens and 1 roo (he is a real gentleman)

thank you, this is the closest i have come to hatching eggs (last time one went broody, the hen left her nest on day 6)

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Probably depends on the chicks. The first time I had a broody in a nest about 18" off the floor I fretted the same thing.
When they finally hopped out of the nest I contemplated what I would do about it.
When I went back to check on them, the hen and all the chicks were back in the nest.
Maybe put a few bricks or a pile of shavings in front of the nest.