Broody Breaker and Behaviors Questions

[thecatumbrella]

The 2x4 isn't elevated, it's just lying on the floor, wide side up.

I started with that, and she just paced back and forth on it having diarrhea. Was hoping that if I got it off the ground, she'd be more inclined to perch? Probably wishful thinking!

 

[Sally PB]

Putting Widget (my serial broody) in the crate is something I have to do and then walk away. I know she isn't happy. I know she will pace and try to throw herself at the side of the crate.

I'm sure it doesn't help that the only good place to put the crate is across the coop from the nest boxes, where she sees the other hens going in to lay.

It usually takes 3 days to break her. On the 3rd night, I open the door to the crate at lock up. She has always gone to roost, thank goodness.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Putting Widget (my serial broody) in the crate is something I have to do and then walk away. I know she isn't happy. I know she will pace and try to throw herself at the side of the crate.

I'm sure it doesn't help that the only good place to put the crate is across the coop from the nest boxes, where she sees the other hens going in to lay.

It usually takes 3 days to break her. On the 3rd night, I open the door to the crate at lock up. She has always gone to roost, thank goodness.

THANK YOU for sharing that! Every video I watch of a broody in a breaker has them sitting there in a trance. It was making me second guess myself to see her so miserable, but I feel better knowing it's expected behavior.