Brooding, will she starve herself?

[emimiller8]

My hen has gone broody to a point I feel is unhealthy. I'm not home at all hrs of the day, but I never see her out for food or water. We put foo by her and tries to put some water near her but it keeps getting spilled by the other hens. Will she starve and dehydrate herself. I don't think they would do that. Anyone have any stories or sujestions?

 

[Johnn]

Some hens do starve themselves to death. If i was you i would just remove her from the nest once a day to eat and drink.

 

[emimiller8]

Omg! That is awful!!! I will take her out ASAP!!

 

[Johnn]

Just take her out once a day and she will be fine. Yu never know, she might be doinh it herself already ad they dont look healthy when being broody. But I guess its better to be safe than sorry!

 

[This_chicks_place]

Most broodys know when to leave the nest and for how long. I rarely see mine out, but I know she has been out when I see the large pile of "broody poo" ugh!

 

[suebee]

Yes, just relax. She will get up when she wants too. I've never had a broody die of starvation.

 

[Eggcessive]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but is she sitting on eggs or is she just broody? I will take my broody hens on eggs out of the nest box once a day if I don't ever see them out feeding since I am in and out of my coop a lot. If she is not on eggs, I would break her in a dog crate with food and water ASAP.

 

[suebee]

Hen's go broody for many reasons. Some just want a rest. I wouldn't break them right away.

 

[emimiller8]

She is sitting on eggs. We took her off this evening and she drank and we gave her some strawberries then she was back on the egg instantly, I think we are just gonna have to take her off the eggs once a day so she drinks. thanks so much for your help. I really didn't think they would put themselves in danger like that! Phew, so glad I asked

 

[emimiller8]

Ah has been brooding for about four weeks now and 14 days on eggs