Broody Queen Affecting Flock?

[TabbyKat70]

I've dealt with a couple of broody Sussex hens without much problem, but a few days ago my dominant hen went broody. Since then, egg production is about half. I have 16 hens, was averaging 13 eggs a day. Yesterday I got 8. Does the broodiness of the head hen affect the laying of the rest of the flock, or should I be looking at other factors? My flock is about 13 months old.

 

[aart]

It very well could be.
With the head hen now setting, the pecking order may be shifting.
I'd give it a week or so.
I assume you're going to let her hatch out some chicks,
and you have plenty of other nests to be used??

 

[TabbyKat70]

It very well could be.
With the head hen now setting, the pecking order may be shifting.
I'd give it a week or so.
I assume you're going to let her hatch out some chicks,
and you have plenty of other nests to be used??

Not at this time~ I'd like to, but I can't free range them (in town) and I'm concerned my space is a bit over-crowded as it is. I put the two broodies in solitary yesterday afternoon. Now I am concerned that broody breaking them away from the flock is going to cause even more squabbles! LOL

 

[aart]

Now I am concerned that broody breaking them away from the flock is going to cause even more squabbles!

It could....so glad my cop is big enough to put the broody cage right in there.
I guess I could even put two in there...but again glad I don't have to deal with that.
Best of cLuck to yas!