Breaking broody

[BGcoop]

I have an EExAC hen that insists on going broody. I keep tossing her into the wire crate for about three or four days and that does seem to break her. Yesterday she decided to do it again, however I currently have chicks that are 4-6 weeks old. This afternoon I took one of the little ones and tucked it under her. She seemed fine with that and the little one snuggled in to go to sleep, however she stayed sitting on the nest. I only let her have the chick for a few minutes however as I had other things to do and the coop was open for the rest of the flock to free range, so baby went back to the brooder.

My question is this: if I tuck the chicks under her, will this break her being broody, and if yes how long would it take? Are 4 week old chicks too old to do this with her?

 

[BGcoop]

Well I grabbed a couple that I think might be boys anyway (so will be less sad if this experiment doesn’t work) and tucked them in under her. They seem to like being there and she isn’t pecking at them or anything. I guess I’ll see what happens.

 

[aart]

Might work, might not.......she should come off the nest and try to feed the if it works.

 

[BGcoop]

Might work, might not.......she should come off the nest and try to feed the if it works.

Thanks for the reply! I did put food and water near by so the chicks can wander out to eat and drink if they’d like.