What can go wrong when a hen is hatching eggs? None of my hens have ever hatched any eggs but I am thinking when one goes broody maybe i'll get some eggs for her to hatch. any tips?
Keep her away from the other chickens when she's broody, as they will bother her and possibly her chicks when they hatch, and keep her in a safe place. Make sure she has access to water and food and actually takes it - Some will often eat as little as possible, and people often wonder if their chickens are simply missing. I've never actually had a hen go broody though, but look forward to it if our Brahmas do. If - Operative word.
I have had much better luck when they just decide where to go by themselves and disappear. All of a sudden the reappear with their family! This time I tried to move my broodies into private accommodations and they must not have liked my style because they both went off their nests. I will try again a bit later in the season. Good luck! Terri O