Hi. I've been enjoying this forum for the past 3 months as I learn my newly aquired pets. So much info and so many great people willing to share sage advice so I took the plunge and joined.
About me? I'm fowl struck with an assortment of the following: RI Reds, OE BB Reds, Austrolops, Shaver Red, EEs, Rouens and White Cresteds. Toss in 2 kids, 2 terriers, 2 cats and mix with love.
My question: I have had a lovely Austrolop hen go broody now for over 2 months. I have to pull her off her nest twice a day so she'll eat. She's losing weight and she's so devoted to her golf ball "eggs" that moving them hasn't deterred her in the least. Locking her out of the coop only gets another hen pecked and yes, she will sit in the nesting box while some other poor hen tries to lay an egg there even without her golf balls. I don't mind the drop in egg production but geez, I'd like my bossy black beauty back with the others. Should I just get some fertilized eggs and let her try? Your thoughts?
About me? I'm fowl struck with an assortment of the following: RI Reds, OE BB Reds, Austrolops, Shaver Red, EEs, Rouens and White Cresteds. Toss in 2 kids, 2 terriers, 2 cats and mix with love.
My question: I have had a lovely Austrolop hen go broody now for over 2 months. I have to pull her off her nest twice a day so she'll eat. She's losing weight and she's so devoted to her golf ball "eggs" that moving them hasn't deterred her in the least. Locking her out of the coop only gets another hen pecked and yes, she will sit in the nesting box while some other poor hen tries to lay an egg there even without her golf balls. I don't mind the drop in egg production but geez, I'd like my bossy black beauty back with the others. Should I just get some fertilized eggs and let her try? Your thoughts?