Broody 4-H Hen

[what did I do]

The hen my dd wants to take to the fair is broody, I think. She is all puffed up and makes strange sounds when you go near her in the nesting box. She was out today still all puffed up. This is only the second day of this. Is she good to take to the fair - small town fair? The fair is less than one week.

We have roosters with the younger hens. They were hatched the 20 th of April. All the chickens free range together. Is there a chance she has fertile eggs? I have not seen any spots in the eggs that you get in fertile eggs.

 

[Den in Penn]

It does sound like she is broody. But with only two days on the nest there is the chance she isn't. I think your dd should start making plan B. The cockerels are just a little young. You have confirmed it, by not seeing the bulls eye.

 

[what did I do]

Well, we gave her a bath today and put her in a wire cage. We will put her in the coop for night then another bath or dunk and back in the cage. She is still beautiful when she isn't looking like a turkey.

 

[what did I do]

It's bitter sweet but she is no longer broody. I would have given anything to be able to have her hatch a few eggs. Oh well, maybe the next year we wont have so many chickens and I'll fell free to hatch some.

 

[what did I do]

Just an update. This hen and my dd got Grand Champion for showmanship in her age. My dd is so happy.