Step-by-step tutorial: using a broody hen to hatch eggs

We've talked about broody hens here and here. But maybe instead of fixing a broody hen, you'd like to have her set on eggs so you can get some "free" chicks. 

The first thing you want to do is make sure she does want to become a mother. (Check the links above for signs of broodiness.) Next, find a place away from the other chickens for her. If you leave her in the same pen, the other chickens will try to lay in the same nest and may even kill the chicks when they hatch. Only one hen per pen otherwise you may find two hens on one nest and the eggs in the other nest cold. 

Years ago, when we set several hens at once we used bushel baskets with covers. Twice a day, we would take the tops off and let them eat and drink. Then, when they went back to their nests we would put the tops back on and make sure there was one hen per nest. 

To set a broody hen:

• You will need a nest box about the size of the one she is used to. 
• Put some sort of bedding in it, but not so much the eggs could be buried.
• Make sure it's fastened down so it doesn't move when she gets in and out.
• It does seem to help if the place is a little on the dark side.
• Place the eggs in the box and move the hen.
• Always move her in the dark.
• If you find she has rolled an egg out from under her you can toss it. Somehow they know if an egg is going to hatch. 
• By the 23rd day, all the eggs that are going to hatch should.
• Remember, chicks can go up to 72 hours before eating or drinking. 
• You can move the hen and chick to their new pen. 
• Give them water, but nothing so deep the chicks could drown in it.
• For feed, it's best to use a chick starter. The hen will be fine eating it.
• Remember, you will be getting straight run chicks: both pullets and cockerels. 

It's wise to have a plan in place in the rare case that after all of this the broody hen does not want to become a mother.

--Dale, AKA Turkeyman