Where to set up a nest for Mrs. Broody

[bhawk-23]

Ok, my Orpy went broody again! Hubs was trying to break her the first day then, unfortunately, he has to travel for work and happened to leave on day 2

Anyhow, I know I told him no eggs but..... I think he knows me better than that by now and I have a dozen coming! Hahahaha

So, I have 2 options for setting up a private space for mama and eggs. I will attach photos below.

The first spot is where she raised her first brood. It is in the run below the roosts. It can be fully closed to the others but still has ventilation. It is on a dirt floor with a layer of straw. This is where nearly ALL the hens like to lay though. But I like this one because of the article on here with great information on nests on the ground being anatomically better for the hen sitting so long. Very informative! The space is 54" X 22" with a darker private side and open ventilation side.

The second place is their coop, which no one uses. It is 6' X 5' with a deep litter floor. I was thinking it might be nice for her to have that whole space to herself since only 2 hens use those boxes and not daily. My only issue is, it has a plywood bottom. We are spring cleaning it now though. Since it was not really used I can keep some of the deep litter and and place a deep layer of straw on top for her to shape to her liking. I did move her and her babies up to there when they outgrew the smaller space in the run last time.

I'll attach some pictures of each space. I'd like to get her settled before setting the fertilized eggs underneath which will hopefully be here by the weekend.

If you've made it this far into my post, thank you! I am very appreciative!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Oml, thought I saw a tv in there.

I would do it wherever is closest looking to where she went broody. Some hens travel better than others

 

[Auntiejessi3]

just love broody baby threads

 

[bhawk-23]

Oml, thought I saw a tv in there.

I would do it wherever is closest looking to where she went broody. Some hens travel better than others

Fortunately, she moves quite easily. She just wants to be a mama!! hahahaha

 

[bhawk-23]

Okay! Moved her up to the coop so she has a ton of space for her and the chicks. I just set 12 fertilized eggs under her. A mix of "rare" breeds so we shall see what we get. The last time she hatched, all 12 eggs survived through to 15 weeks so hopefully the eggs were handled well during delivery this time as well. And, that she sits the extra 5 days it took to get them under her

I am so excited!!!

 

[bhawk-23]

We have lost 2 eggs so far. Yesterday we found one in the nest with a hole. Not sure if it was stepped on or pecked at. Took it in the house and opened it. There was definitely a chick forming! Then this evening she came running out of the coop with half of a shell. I checked the nest and the bottom half and contents was still in the nest at the very bottom. Intact eggs were on top of it. At quick glance it did not look like the other one so not sure if she ate some or if it was not developing. I do not think she is purposely doing this, she is a great mama! Constantly on her nest, defending it fiercely. She seems cautious and gentle when she gets back on too. She has successfully hatched and raised 12 eggs so I wouldn't think she cannot fit this dozen under her also.

She has her own space mostly but we do see the other hens go in sometimes before we get up and let them out of the run in the morning. From what we catch on camera they never bother her or the nest at all. And the 2 that are continuing to lay in the one open nesting box by her are timid and low in pecking order pullets who go in, lay and leave. I am wondering if we should just close the pop door to keep the others out until we let all the girls out of the run?

All thoughts are greatly appreciated! I do not want to lose anymore

 

[turkey girl 0964]

I would make her nest/brooding area fully closed off to other hens. My hens killed 3 babies before so I wouldn't take any chances. Wishing you and mama good luck!

 

[turkey girl 0964]

Have you candled any of the eggs? Are they developing?

 

[bhawk-23]

I would make her nest/brooding area fully closed off to other hens. My hens killed 3 babies before so I wouldn't take any chances. Wishing you and mama good luck!

Yeah, that was the thought. It is easily closed off for when the chicks hatch. And plenty of room for mama and chicks to hang out for a bit. I'll close it off tonight though. Thanks!

Have you candled any of the eggs? Are they developing?

I was nervous to handle them being only day 7 tomorrow. But after having to move them to clean out the broken egg so I guess it wouldn't hurt now. lol I think I may do that when I head out to close the pop door. Thank you!

 

[turkey girl 0964]

How are the eggs? Are they alive?