8 month old hen broody for weeks but not laying

[catfalls]

Some hens will brood on absolutely nothing at all, even empty air. The clutch doesn't have to be theirs or even physically present, if they're convinced they should sit anyhow.

Glad that worked but not sure how the other birds are supposed to lay, unless you're saying only she needs the large boxes? Hopefully it was enough disruption to stick.

A cage really isn't a form of torture - it disrupts them from the nest (which is what you were doing with the rocks) and if you have it elevated it allows for cooler air to get under them to cool off their bellies. To me it's worse having them sit for weeks losing body condition without anything to show for their efforts.

All of my other large hens seem to prefer laying on the floor under their nesting boxes, so the rocks aren't a problem for them. I've kept upwards of 25+ hens at any given time over the last 16 years and have, on occasion, had to cage some when they've been injured or sick. My observation is it's always been stressful for them to be caged.

 

[ChookaPete]

All of my other large hens seem to prefer laying on the floor under their nesting boxes, so the rocks aren't a problem for them. I've kept upwards of 25+ hens at any given time over the last 16 years and have, on occasion, had to cage some when they've been injured or sick. My observation is it's always been stressful for them to be caged.

You could try a plastic fabric tent, with a small log to perch on. I did when my Clover was broody the second time. The floor will feel cool to the touch to your chook, so she will prefer roosting on the log. The log will allow cool air to be underneath her belly, cooling her down - this helps lower the amount of hormone prolactin, therefore easing off her broodiness.