I always had separate smaller pens to put the setting hen in.Food and water so when she comes out , she can stretch ,eat and drink and go right back to the eggs.Almost always get 90% of your eggs to hatch this way. Then after they hatch let them stay in that pen a couple weeks on their own until the mother and chicks are stronger.
My grandmother would be proud of you. Half pf her flock were Buff Orpingtons. A young child can take care of them with no problem. thanks for sharing. Kevin
