Another Broody? Need Help! Sad Outcome =(

[Hattie the Hen]

Hi bwebb7, Are you feeding your hen mixed corn or layers pellets/mash because I've always followed the advice I was given years ago to keep a broody hen in mixed corn as this helps prevent them from getting mucky rear ends. It's always worked for me and the hens come through in great condition! Also I find it useful to put a lightweight dark cloth over the broody when I move her & her eggs (which I try to do at night)--It keeps them calmer. The moment a hen looks as if she's broody I prepare a special shallow brooding tray for her. This contains a sod of earth about 2inches deep then shavings on top. The earth is so you can gently spray it with a little water--very important in hot weather and near to hatching time. If she & the eggs are in the tray it's really easy to move them wnen you clean out the coop or container. You just pop the cloth over her+ eggs and nothing is disturbed. I hope she does settle down & stay with her eggs--Good luck!

 

[bwebb7]

thanks- No she is still on laying ration. I didn't think about the nutrition and until I read this, I never thought about all that sitting around "pasting" her up either!
Do all hens get "glazed over"? This girl is not herself at all. she will peck at me when I reach around her but when I moved her into the dog crate, I picked up the eggs first and I had moved her to the floor, she just sat there-weird!
I'll get her corn.
Will I need to let her out to move around too?

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Hi bwebb, I've just woken up! Yes, broodies go into a trance once they are really into broody mode. They fluff themselves up, often close their eyes and go into a trance (maybe dreaming of motherhood)!!!!! I can remember being worried about it the first time I encountered it. Yes, they do attack your hand & peck it. I always wear a pair of strong but soft gardening gloves, the kind with cuffs are the best otherwise your wrists are vunerable! I try to always give them a little treat if I have to disturb them: it distracts them. As to her just standing there when she off the eggs I'm not sure; some of them take a little while to join us back in the real world and sometimes they appear to be a bit stiff from being in the same position for so long. Yes, you must make her get off once a day--get a routine going. I do it in the morning; be brave lift her off 7 place her on the ground & feed her. She should eat, drink, poo and possibly have a quick dustbath (especially in the summer). Don't panic, she can easily be away from the eggs for 15 minutes-- some of mine as much as 30 mins. If they look as if they have forgotten the eggs lift them back onto them. Once they actually see them again they will get back on & scoot the eggs around, turning them & getting comfy! Once they get to day !8/19 they often will not shift at all; then I tend to leave them alone but I do carefully spray with water to keep the humidity up. Good luck, If your worried at any time PM me.

 

[mylilchix]

Thank you all for your kind words, but our hen passed in the night.

Sonja

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Oh, I'm so sorry. I hope your heart recovers soon.

You tried the hardest you could and that is what really matter is the end. She knows you loved her.


Edited to add:

 

[sutphindanesnchickens]

How do you tell a broody from a regular hen? New to chickens

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Quote:
Broodies will make this constant grunting sound, like they are nervous. They will also not leave the nest for a period of time. When they poop, it's...eer...really ugly and smelly, to say the least. You'll know right away. Also, the other hens and sometimes roosters will pick on them more.

 

[bwebb7]

Thank you all for your kind words, but our hen passed in the night.
Sonja

Oh Sonja,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that she knew how much you loved her.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Quote:
I'm so sorry for your loss

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Sonja I'm so sorry about your hen--it's so sag to lose them when you have looked after them every day.