banny hen sitting but no egg

[Hillsviewchicks]

I have 4 banny hens and I know they are all laying. I've gotten 4 eggs a couple times. But one of my girls has been sitting in the nesting box the last couple days. And there's no egg. I dont know if something is wrong. She acts normal otherwise.

 

[holm25]

is she sitting on the other bantys eggs

 

[Hillsviewchicks]

No there's no eggs in the box

 

[holm25]

hmmmmmm

 

[Hillsviewchicks]

Is it possible for an egg to get stuck?

 

[skip5th]

Broody? I have a broody right now!


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[Hillsviewchicks]

But don't they have to have eggs to sit on?

 

[donrae]

Hens will go broody regardless of if they're actually sitting on eggs or not. Eggs usually help, but several folks here have had broodies set on empty nests. One even had a broody setting on a pile of nuts, bolts, screw--didn't look comfortable at all!

If you don't want her to be broody, you'll need to keep her off the nest for a few days. Best way seems to be to put her in a wire bottom cage, hanging from something is best so she gets airflow underneath and can't warm her underside up by setting. It usually takes a good week or so. Give her a roost but no nest place. After you break them from being broody it can take a few weeks for them to start laying again.

 

[Hillsviewchicks]

O ok. Thank u so much! I had no idea!

 

[skip5th]

Yes mine all go broody at some point between now and sept lol all except my ex-bat I have give. Up train to break it I just make sure to lift(or push depending in how aggressive they get) off the nest every day to make sure they eat and drink. I usually do afternoon once everyone has laid for the day then I can shut off access to the coop for an hour or so. The broodys last about 3/4 weeks then they are out and about as normal. Might then be another couple weeks before they lay again. Some breeds are more broody than others which is fab if you want eggs incubated


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