Brooding Hen Questions

[Marine JAG]

Hi--

I have a hen that has been setting for about five days now. I don't think she has had anything to eat or drink the whole time. I brought her some water and food but she didn't want anything to do with it. Is this normal? Do you think she might just be sneaking out for a break when I'm not looking?

Thanks,

--William

 

[Southerngirl]

She will get off when she is ready, they can go 2-3 days without getting of the nest. Then one day you will see her walking slow with her wings spread out clucking; she will make one BIG poop, eat and drink as fast as she can then RUN back to the nest. One of my favorite hens I will hand feed and hold a cup up to her to let her drink from. Some of my broodies would literally tear me to shreds if I tried that with them. Nature knows best !

 

[Marine JAG]

Thank you!

 

[goldnchocolate]

I used to bring my broody hen out of the nest, once a day. I would carry her to the water and she would have a drink, eat a little bit and do her giant poop

She was sitting on 6 eggs and she hatched 3 of them. I wanted to make sure she kept her strength up.

I have a broody EE who is sitting on fake eggs and I bring her out once a day, also. It has been too hot around here, lately, to let her go without water.