Broke Broody Hen, How Long Before She Lays Again?

[Monetta]

My Wyandotte went broody a few weeks ago. I managed to break her of her broodyness, but she hasn't layed an egg since. It's been over a week now. How long does it usually take for an ex broody hen to start laying again?

 

[Kittymomma]

Are you sure she's not laying? My EE started layin within a few days, but the little stinker still had hatching on her mind 'cause she hid a nest. I just thought she hadn't started laying again, but when she didn't come back to roost one night I went looking and found her on 15 eggs in the tall grass next to the raspberry patch.

 

[Monetta]

I just took another look around the yard and didn't find any eggs. Before she was broody she layed almost every day.

 

[Kittymomma]

They can be tricky. I'd lock her in the coop/run for a few days and see what happens. I'd also grab her off the roost tonight and give her a good going over--check for mites (can be common when they're broody for awhile) lice, and also feel around/under the vent area for a possibly stuck egg.

 

[FarmGirl01]

Usually about a week or so with mine.

 

[Monetta]

If she has a stuck egg would she be able to poop? She's been pooping normally.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Can you share your "breaking" technique? I've got a bantam Cochin Frizzle who is determined to be a mama but I have no more room for chickens in my coop!!

 

[Monetta]

I'm not sure how much of a technique it is. Her "nest" is in the yard. She doesn't like the nest in the Eglu, even though I have tried putting fake eggs and real eggs in there. I had to put her back in her run every day when I went to work, so I picked her up off the nest and put her in the run. After a few days of that she quit trying to stay in the nest. If she had taken to using the nest in the Eglu I would probably have put her in the pet carrier I put her in so I can put her in the garage when she is being too noisy.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
Can you share your "breaking" technique? I've got a bantam Cochin Frizzle who is determined to be a mama but I have no more room for chickens in my coop!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=181289&p=1

I use an old wire bottom rabbit hutch, plenty of room for feed/water and for the hen to move around in. It sits up off the ground so good airflow too. Good luck!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Can you share your "breaking" technique? I've got a bantam Cochin Frizzle who is determined to be a mama but I have no more room for chickens in my coop!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=181289&p=1

I use an old wire bottom rabbit hutch, plenty of room for feed/water and for the hen to move around in. It sits up off the ground so good airflow too. Good luck!

Thanks Monetta & Kittymomma. It sounds like the common denominator is keeping her out of her "chosen spot". Tricky business!