Thanks for your reply.

Last year, we had 3 broodies all at once, they got very confused and therefore only 1 out of 10 hatched, but he was very strong straight away and needed little assistance.

To start with we left this hen with the others, but then the Cockeral seemed to get upset with her everytime she left the eggs for food and water, so we moved her into her own little house in an old stable, where she sat happily waiting for them to hatch, but then as they hatched one by one, they died, which I am assuming is because they were not getting any food or water - she must have been eating it herself everytime I replenished the pot and the area around the nest!!!

I will let you know how I get on.  I must admit, I am not looking forward to going to bed and leaving them alone!!! - will be a long night I fear.

Thanks again.