Broody Chicken Problems

[Stink]

We have a broody chicken who we are hoping to be able to use to raise some chicks. We haven't ordered the chicks yet as we hope to first move her to a dog crate on the ground where it's safer for her and the chicks. Last night we tried moving her, however, this morning when we went to check on her, she was back in a nesting box sitting on a new egg. Last night we moved her and her eggs, without light and pretty efficiently. Everything seemed to be going well, but I guess she just didn't like the new laying spot. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or tips to get her to successfully transfer to the dog crate, or if it's a hopeless cause. Should we just try again?

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

We have a broody chicken who we are hoping to be able to use to raise some chicks. We haven't ordered the chicks yet as we hope to first move her to a dog crate on the ground where it's safer for her and the chicks. Last night we tried moving her, however, this morning when we went to check on her, she was back in a nesting box sitting on a new egg. Last night we moved her and her eggs, without light and pretty efficiently. Everything seemed to be going well, but I guess she just didn't like the new laying spot. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or tips to get her to successfully transfer to the dog crate, or if it's a hopeless cause. Should we just try again?

Does it have a door? I would put her in there with food and water, close the door, and cover it if possible. She needs to feel cozy and safe. Realizing she's suddenly somewhere else can alarm her, hence covering the crate to keep it dark for a day or so.

 

[Stink]

Does it have a door? I would put her in there with food and water, close the door, and cover it if possible. She needs to feel cozy and safe. Realizing she's suddenly somewhere else can alarm her, hence covering the crate to keep it dark for a day or so.

The dog crate does have a door. Although we left it open because we had left the food and water right outside the door. Should I try again with the door closed?

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I would, otherwise she'll just go back to the old nest site, especially if she knows how to find it from where she is.

 

[Stink]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll try that later tonight.

 

[MountainWoman73]

I let mine brood in a nest box, which was not without problems. She let other hens lay in her nest and sit on it for parts of the day, and switched boxes if there were eggs in the box next door. But, she has now hatched one chick. I plan to move them to the floor sometime today. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Stink]

I let mine brood in a nest box, which was not without problems. She let other hens lay in her nest and sit on it for parts of the day, and switched boxes if there were eggs in the box next door. But, she has now hatched one chick. I plan to move them to the floor sometime today. I'll let you know how it goes.

I’ll be interested to know how it goes! My hen as well moved boxes when another hen laid on her eggs while she was eating

 

[MountainWoman73]

I’ll be interested to know how it goes! My hen as well moved boxes when another hen laid on her eggs while she was eating

Moving went really well! Minnie Mae (broody) and Junior are settled in to their new nest and everything has been going well for 24 hours.

When the chick was about 18 hours old (the morning after it hatched, when other hens started trying to invade the box) I moved the chick and two remaining eggs to a nest box on the floor in a separate area. Mom was immediately upset and jumped down and followed on her own, with feathers all raised. I showed her the new nest and she immediately settled on it and has mostly been there since.

I'm setting up an incubator for the last two eggs (they are either dead or might be alive and a week behind the chick that hatched...long story). But for right now she seems content brooding the chick and eggs together. If I move the chick she follows, but otherwise wants him in the nest with her eggs. Junior seems interested in food, so I moved their dish closer so she could show him without getting up.