Broody Hen

[hamesy]

I've got a hen that keeps going broody. I want to use this to my advantage and was thinking of getting some fertile eggs for her to hatch. Do I have to keep her and the chicks separate or would they be ok in the existing coop and run?

I've currently got three chickens at the moment with room for more if I wanted.

[Ruined]

I've always kept my broodys separate...could be a penned off area in he main run/coop but if you're investing in fertile eggs, I wouldn't take a chance.

If you are buying fertile eggs, do a trial sit on some cheap ones for a week first, just to make sure she will sit.

Remember to lift her off each day for food, water and waste!

[Scarlet]

If you don't keep them separate your other chickens will all pile on top of her and may lay more eggs! It can also encourage them go broody - it seems to be contagious!