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?

 

[FunClucks]

What is your concern? The lack of nesting boxes? Or are you trying to break your broody hens?

 

[matheny00]

Both I guess? I am not sure this is my first flock and still waiting on some of the hens to lay eggs

 

[FunClucks]

Add more nest boxes. 5 gallon buckets like you get at the hardware store are perfect - put them on their side in the run about 1/3 full of shavings with a landscaping brick on the front/bottom edge to keep them in place and from rolling around. The hens will climb over the brick, and it will keep some of the shavings from coming out. Also the large 15-25 lb kitty litter buckets that are square and have a lid that flaps open, those are great for keeping litter in - the lid is like a ramp into the bucket. The part of the lid that doesn't open keeps the shavings in. And it doesn't roll because it's square.

To break a broody, check out the Articles on this site, especially this one:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/broody-breaking-ala-aart.77915/

 

[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