Any tips for encouraging broodiness in my Black Java flock?
I suspected one hen was heading that way - but then the temps SOARED (from 50 degrees daytime high to 80 degrees for the past two weeks). While I'm enjoying the sunshine on my face and ability to get the garden started without freezing my fingers - my hens have shown NO interest in becoming broody. Is it simply too warm?
Details: Current flock hatched more or less 4/1/11 at Garfield Farm Museum - so they're just a few day shy of 1yr.
Egg production: From 5 hens, have been averaging 22 eggs/week since Feb. 19th - before that, they gave me on average 16 eggs/week for the winter season. I neglected to count eggs in the fall - was too excited to have 'em!
Rooster: 1 very happy male. Is fertilizing the eggs, as every one I open to eat is fertile.
Coop: 3 nesting boxes, of which 1 is the choice box...this is the one the hen going broody set up shop in. She left the nest to roost though, so I know she's not quite ready. (It's my hen Tiger)
I've narrowed down which female has the physical form I'm looking to produce in my flock. And narrowed down who's laying which eggs to identify her eggs. (Boy that took a long while!) Now, I simply need a good momma! I'd really rather NOT incubate. But...if no one goes broody by mid-May, I might have to. I'd like new layers to take us through the first molt (happening this fall).
Any tips? Hints? Suggestions? Thanks!
I suspected one hen was heading that way - but then the temps SOARED (from 50 degrees daytime high to 80 degrees for the past two weeks). While I'm enjoying the sunshine on my face and ability to get the garden started without freezing my fingers - my hens have shown NO interest in becoming broody. Is it simply too warm?
Details: Current flock hatched more or less 4/1/11 at Garfield Farm Museum - so they're just a few day shy of 1yr.
Egg production: From 5 hens, have been averaging 22 eggs/week since Feb. 19th - before that, they gave me on average 16 eggs/week for the winter season. I neglected to count eggs in the fall - was too excited to have 'em!
Rooster: 1 very happy male. Is fertilizing the eggs, as every one I open to eat is fertile.
Coop: 3 nesting boxes, of which 1 is the choice box...this is the one the hen going broody set up shop in. She left the nest to roost though, so I know she's not quite ready. (It's my hen Tiger)
I've narrowed down which female has the physical form I'm looking to produce in my flock. And narrowed down who's laying which eggs to identify her eggs. (Boy that took a long while!) Now, I simply need a good momma! I'd really rather NOT incubate. But...if no one goes broody by mid-May, I might have to. I'd like new layers to take us through the first molt (happening this fall).
Any tips? Hints? Suggestions? Thanks!
