What to do about a broody?

[selinagil]

I have a hen that went broody on 10 eggs inside the chicken coop. She is setting on them in a nest box and won't let me get my hand anywhere near her. I don't mind her hatching the chicks out but I'm afraid that the other hens or rooster will hurt them or they will fall out of the nest box and break their legs or necks!! So I just don't know what to do, should I wait until night and try to move them and her to a private pen or leave them. I've never had a hen go broody so I don't know what to expect. Can she care for them in the community pen? Any advice or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks

 

[pipermark]

Let her hatch them, you do need to mark the eggs and check them regularly. The hen will get off the eggs from time to time , when she does other birds will lay in the nest. This means when the main clutch hatches there will still be unhatched eggs. Some hens will not get off the unhatched ones to take care of the young. The best way to avoid this is to remove any newly laid eggs from the nest.

Bottom line is you have to move the broody, place hand firmly on the butt and shove. If you are afraid of getting pecked , wear a heavy work glove.

 

[ChickieKeeta]

This is my first broody hen.

I use pet carriers for nest boxes. I made a pen from panels of a parrot cage, zip ties & plastic garden fencing. I picked up the carrier, broody & all, & put it in the pen before making the fence roof.

She has been on the eggs since July 3. She has food & water in the pen. I check on her often givng her fresh water & removing the poo pile.

I put the eggs under her and moved the nest box at night.