Brody

[matheny00]

I have 1 for sure possibly now 2 hens that are brody. I have 8 hens with 3 nesting boxes 2 being rented out to these 2 hens. I take the egg move them out and one goes back in. With no egg. I do have rollaway boxes that have 2 ceramic eggs in the tray. I don't know what to do. Any thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally you need to pen them away from their chosen nest site for 3-7 days to break them from being broody. Some use a wire bottom crate to help cool them off. I just relocate them and it seems to work for most. Provide a roost, feed and water.

 

[Bigdumogre]

Like stated put them in jail for a few days, or I have also seen some people soak the chicken in cool water for a few mins to lower their body temp to help them break broodiness.

 

[matheny00]

Like stated put them in jail for a few days, or I have also seen some people soak the chicken in cool water for a few mins to lower their body temp to help them break broodiness.

Is broodiness due to overheating

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

Is broodiness due to overheating

No, it's just hormones in a hen. The reason why lowering the hen's temp works is because when broody hens will try to hatch eggs by matching temps that would be needed to hatch those eggs. By making it so she cannot build heat, she'll give up and the hormones will figure out she can't hatch eggs like that.

 

[matheny00]

Thank you

 

[matheny00]

Is there a certain water temp to use

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is there a certain water temp to use

I would not wet down you hen. It doesn't cool them off enough to help anything, and it could cause more issues.