[Bren200]

Hi, my husband as got 3 rhode island red fertile eggs from a family member who as been breeding for years. We have a hen that as been broody for nearly 2 weeks now, which I don't mind just let her get on with it. My husband wants to put these 3 eggs under her so she can hatch them. Would it be ok for her to do this as she shares the coop with 6 other hens ? We have 4 nesting boxes only 2 get used.we was thinking of useing a nesting box that ain't used so it don't upset the rest of the hens. If the eggs hatch will it be ok to keep them all in the same coop & run ?

[loretta cluck]

No expert here, but if they successfully hatch wouldnt there be a risk of the other hens attacking chicks if kept together, and wouldnt there be the possibility of the eggs getting mixed up with new lays when broody leaves the nest to eat and poo.

[Bren200]

No expert here, but if they successfully hatch wouldnt there be a risk of the other hens attacking chicks if kept together, and wouldnt there be the possibility of the eggs getting mixed up with new lays when broody leaves the nest to eat and poo.

The eggs we have are Marked so they will not get mixed up.

[ANHBUC]

As said sometimes other hens will attack chicks but not always.  It would be best if you have something set up for when the chicks hatch just in case.

You also need to consider where the nest box is as chicks will easily fall and injure/kill themselves.

[Bren200]

As said sometimes other hens will attack chicks but not always.  It would be best if you have something set up for when the chicks hatch just in case.

You also need to consider where the nest box is as chicks will easily fall and injure/kill themselves.

We are going to get a broody box/hutch, put it in the run with the others. My husband is going to make a run to put the box/hutch in it so the chicks won't fall out. Thank you for your help.

[ANHBUC]

My pleasure.