1st eggbound hen when to help??

[aaggjg]

I have an ameraucanas x silkie hen who just started laying on labor day.... So she's been laying about 3 weeks. Her sister started laying the same day and they have been very good layers do far. Well yesterday like clockwork they both went in to lay and hours later when I came back only one was in the run. The other one was still on the nest.... She is still sitting on the nest this morning so she's been there almost 24 hours. I'm assuming she's not broody as she just started laying.... Her beak is ajar like she's panting.... How long do I leave her before I interfere?? And when I do what is my best course of action??? Should I start with a warm bath??? Would a hot water bottle help??? I have to leave for work in 6 hours and won't be back until late tonight so I need to figure this out ASAP!!! I'd be grateful for any sage advice!!

Thanks

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

I don't think she is egg bound, chickens can become broody even at that age. Some breeds are broody more often that most. Try to take her out and see if she is walking funny, maybe her butt facing towards the ground or waddling strange? A broody hen will sit for days on a nest, getting up once or twice a day to drink and eat and relieve herself, but thats it. Hope it turns out she's just broody and nothing else!

 

[aaggjg]

OMG you're right. I've had broodies before but I thought 2 1/2 weeks of eggs laying was too early to go broody!!! My cochin went broody after 6 weeks of egg laying and i thought that was early!!! I had to temporarily nail shut my nestbox opening as it was missing a latch so it's hard to reach the eggs .... Well I shoved the girl and there is an egg !!! She puffed up at me ;-0 her mother is so not a broody chicken so she must get it from the silkie side. Broody after 2& 1/2 weeks !!! That's crazy!!!!!

I feel so silly!!!! False alarm. thanks

 

[AnimalsComeFirst]

OMG you're right. I've had broodies before but I thought 2 1/2 weeks of eggs laying was too early to go broody!!! My cochin went broody after 6 weeks of egg laying and i thought that was early!!! I had to temporarily nail shut my nestbox opening as it was missing a latch so it's hard to reach the eggs .... Well I shoved the girl and there is an egg !!! She puffed up at me ;-0 her mother is so not a broody chicken so she must get it from the silkie side. Broody after 2& 1/2 weeks !!! That's crazy!!!!!
I feel so silly!!!! False alarm. thanks

Haha, i'm glad it turned out good! No, its a good thing you posted.... better safe than sorry! Egg bound can be serious, luckily this time it was a false alarm! Broodys can be so annoying... one of my buff orpingtons has been broody for a week now, even after I have locked her out. So grouchy all the time, LOL!