Breaking a broody hen in the heat

[AussieJen]

Hi Folks, One of my d'Uccles has been broody since Christmas. I've kept her in my "broody breaker" cage since then, letting her out each day in the hope it's over, and putting her back in the cage when she returns to the nest (usually immediately). Problem is it's hot hot hot here (42°C/108°F forecast today, and temps have been uncomfortable for weeks). I don't like having her in a little cage in these conditions, even with the misting system I use to keep their run cool. I'm wondering if her hormones are not settling down because of the heat. Any suggestions on how to get her to stop her being clucky?

 

[sourland]

Persist, and sorry for all that your country is presently dealing with.

 

[aart]

Might try putting a bunch of ice cubes in a container with a lid and sticking that under her in the nest.

 

[David61]

I read that you put her back side in a bucket of cold water for a few minutes. Much like you would with warm water if she was egg bound. I say I "read it" because I don't know so I'm reading.

 

[AussieJen]

I've tried dunking her in cool water a few times over the last few days, making sure I get her chest well dunked, but she's still very clucky. Aart, thanks for the suggestion but she's not on the nest cos I don't want her broody; I might try putting a frozen water bottle in the cage with her - even if she stays away from it, should reduce ambient temperature in the cage. Current temp is just shy of 43°C (nearly 110°F). Poor little girl.

And thanks sourland - we've been lucky here in Canberra fire wise, but have been suffering from smoke haze higher than safe levels to breathe for over a month now. Nothing compared to what those in the fire areas are suffering though. Very scary times.

 

[cate1124]

I've tried dunking her in cool water a few times over the last few days, making sure I get her chest well dunked, but she's still very clucky. Aart, thanks for the suggestion but she's not on the nest cos I don't want her broody; I might try putting a frozen water bottle in the cage with her - even if she stays away from it, should reduce ambient temperature in the cage. Current temp is just shy of 43°C (nearly 110°F). Poor little girl.

And thanks sourland - we've been lucky here in Canberra fire wise, but have been suffering from smoke haze higher than safe levels to breathe for over a month now. Nothing compared to what those in the fire areas are suffering though. Very scary times.

I know this is an old post, but if you have low humidity there and electricity to the coop, you might try a swamp cooler (evaporative cooler). They run at a fraction of the cost of AC, and not only cool the coop but add a little pleasant humidity. I've been using one in semi-arid Colorado for a couple weeks -- along with one of those "Arctic Cube" coolers aimed at the nest box for hens who are laying normally -- and it has made the coop much more pleasant. All good wishes to you there!