Best Method to break broodiness

[PineAcreChicks]

Thanks in Advance!!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Here are some links to check out. I've found that taking all eggs out of the nest, constantly moving the hen from the nest, blocking off the nest or putting a frozen water bottle in the nest, breaks my hens.

http://blog.mypetchicken.com/2012/02/01/what-is-a-broody-hen/
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2012/01/so-youve-got-broody-hen.html

 

[PineAcreChicks]

Thanks! I've been taking the eggs but haven't tried the water bottle. I will definitely try though. Is the broodiness the reason for lower egg numbers recently or does heat affect egg laying? We let one hen sit on her eggs and she is due to hatch next Wed. How long til she starts back laying.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Yes, broody hens quit laying. (Although heat can also effect laying.) once she has been broken it will probably take up to a week for her to begin laying again.