Behavior change in lavender orpington

[cahotchick]

My sweet lavender Orpington has recently wanted to hang out in her nesting box. I've read I should break her of this (which I hope is correct) but when I go in to remove her, she raises her feathers at me. Also when she is out, when I come near she puffs her feathers and makes a soft sound (doesn't sound aggressive). She's eating and drinking fine. We have only 3 hens and she isn't being aggressive towards the others either. I'm confused at the behavior change - she's 11 months Los. Egg production has also seemed to have gone down. Any thoughts or suggestions? Much appreciated!

 

[sourland]

Your hen is broody - she wants to set and hatch eggs. You can provide fertile eggs or lock her in a cage/pen away from her nest site to break her. What you are seeing is normal broody behavior.

 

[cahotchick]

Thank you - How long do they typically have to stay in the cage/pen to break them? Is this something that will eventually break on its own? Is it a repetitive process? It is making my other 2 chickens crazy

 

[sourland]

Some will break in a matter of days - others may take weeks. Yes, it is a repetitive process. A broody hen can cause upheaval in the pecking order. Her changed demeanor makes the rest of the flock regard her as a 'stranger'.