Broody Australorp

[sellersV]

Hello! Haven’t posted in awhile because my girls have been doing very well, up until this week One of them got attacked by a hawk and died and now my beautiful Australorp is broody! We have set up a dog crate in the run off the ground and put food and water in with her , she just keeps walking around and not eating or drinking. This is very concerning because it’s been in the 90s here. I even dipped her in some cool water for a few minutes but don’t think that helped much. I read that you need to take the cage Out of the run? But if I do that I have to deal with reintegrating her into the flock! I was going to let her out this evening when it’s cooler and see what she does . Any other ideas out there?

 

[aart]

She'll not be happy for awhile....just hang in there
She'll settle down eventually and eat /drink if she's hungry/thirsty.
Good that you dipped her, that'll help with the heat.
Leave the crate in the coop or the run....if you can keep her shaded there.

Letting her out an hour before roost time is a good idea, if she goes back the to nest promptly put her back in the crate and leave her there all night and the next day...then try letting her out again. Repeat until she goes to roost instead of a nest.

 

[sellersV]

Thanks for the help, we tried to let her out today and she made a beeline straight for the nesting box so she is back in the cage. I am just concerned with her not eating and drinking

 

[aart]

Thanks for the help, we tried to let her out today and she made a beeline straight for the nesting box so she is back in the cage. I am just concerned with her not eating and drinking

How long was she in the crate before letting her out?
She has water and feed in her crate?

Where in this world are you located?
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!

 

[sellersV]

She was out for about an hour, yes she has food and water. Sorry ,I’m located in Georgia .

 

[aart]

How long was she in the crate before letting her out?

She was out for about an hour,

Out for an hour or in the crate for an hour?

 

[sellersV]

Out of the crate and in the yard with the other chickens.

 

[sellersV]

She has been in the crate now for 2 days , we let her out for an hour to see if she was over the broodiness .