Broody before actually laying?

[gaillardia]

My RIR started laying 3 days ago, and she layed one again this morning, but I was in the middle of doing something, so I did not go retrieve it until I heard more singing hours later. My BR, climbed in the nest box and started singing. She rolled the golfball and cold egg under her and won't get up. Do they go broody when they haven't even layed their own egg yet?

 

[gryeyes]

Yes, they certainly can!! Although it is unusual. If she stays on the nest 24/7 with only one or two quick potty breaks and a grab of food and water, then she's broody.

 

[gaillardia]

Thanks for the info. She did finally get up and join the others, and left me her own little egg. This is new to both of us, and I guess I am just a nervous mother

I don't know what I would do without this forum!

I am so excited to finally be getting eggs, but at this size it will still be a while before I have an omlette.

 

[gryeyes]

First eggs are fairly small. They'll get bigger as time goes by.