What to do with a broody

[JediJinx]

I was actually HOPING my OEG would be a good broody hen but I wasn't expecting her to do it at the brink of winter.

She has hidden her eggs off and on for the past month, but now she is setting on two eggs in the regular nest box. So, here is the question... does it hurt them to leave them setting when it's cold? Do they get enough to eat and drink? Should I try to discourage her? I am wondering if practice makes them better setters and if I should just let her do her thing as I would love her to raise some chicks for me in the spring.

She came out this morning and deposited the biggest "gift" I have ever seen, ate her meal and went back in to set. Kind of cute.

 

[Pyxis]

She'll probably actually end up hatching them. I've had broodies hatch in the freezing snow and the chicks do just fine. My buff orp hatched a clutch in February this year. Just make sure she's getting up to eat and drink and do her business once a day and she should be fine

 

[goodb]

put fertilized eggs under her and let her sit.

 

[aart]

I was actually HOPING my OEG would be a good broody hen but I wasn't expecting her to do it at the brink of winter.

She has hidden her eggs off and on for the past month, but now she is setting on two eggs in the regular nest box. So, here is the question... does it hurt them to leave them setting when it's cold? Do they get enough to eat and drink? Should I try to discourage her? I am wondering if practice makes them better setters and if I should just let her do her thing as I would love her to raise some chicks for me in the spring.

She came out this morning and deposited the biggest "gift" I have ever seen, ate her meal and went back in to set. Kind of cute.

That's a good sign!