[Vember]

You are looking at having to keep them in separate housing for at least 5 weeks until they are old enough not to get hurt by the other hens.

As space is a problem I can't help but wonder why you are hatching more?

Another thing you need to take into consideration is what you are going to do with the boys that hatch?

[too many girls]

and if they are not, please don't get any more till you've done a bit of research and know how to care for them! and if they are stick around for advice.

[Aunt Sally]

I'd give it up if I were you.  It would be kindest to the hen and the unborn (probably dead) chicks just to let her sit on nothing or a few golf balls.

If you get a hen go broody again we can give you a lot of methods to stop them in the early few days of broodiness.

[peapod]

IS FIL still around to help? Or do you know anyone local that can take a look at your setup to see what you can do to try to rescue something from this if they are viable? A forum is a great helpful place but you need to get some books to research this PRONTO before you even try to raise these (maybe) chicks. Dont let them suffer, we already have enough battery farms that do this very very well..they arent playthings or there for your pleasure,its your DUTY as an animal keeper to do the best you can to your chosen helpless creature

I know that is stating the blindingly obvious, but someties it needs to be stated

[cathangirl]

If you continue with the broody sitting , a rabbit hutch will make an emergency maternity unit for now.
cathangirl

[cathangirl]

And yes, she will need food and water.  21 days is a long time to go without.  You may have to lift your broody off the eggs and shut the box to make sure she eats, drinks and poos.  About 15 minutes each day at least.
cathangirl

[too many girls]

she will need food and water.  21 days is a long time to go without.

are you having a giggle?

[becky160982]

I am not irresponsible...! I have read up on the subject but didn't realise that the others would keep kicking her off her eggs!
I am not trying to breed choocks - although 2 more would be great....and the chicks (if the are still chicks the amount that she has been off the eggs) have homes to go to (the original farmer who gave me these eggs).
If these eggs are no longer viable (I shall candle them) then I think I may try to make her not broody (I have read that a wire bottom area will discourage her...any ideas?).
There is ofcourse food and water - I just wanted to ascertain that she would not leave the nest to eat and that I should put food and water near her (which I have already done). I didn't know about encouraging her to poo so I shall now ensure that she does that.
Thanks for the advice everyone

[dawn 11]

 i mark  the fertile   eggs and check  for new eggs at night and take them away it works for me