Broody Chickens! What's the solution?

[Mandamoo]

Hi Community,

I have a silver laced wyandotte (Winifred) who is approximately 8 months old. She has been really broody for nearly 2 months.

No matter what I do, she just sits in the coop on the eggs. She even steals the other chickens eggs and sits on them too. She sat on my phone for nearly 20 minutes once as well. She'll nest on anything!

We don't have a rooster so none of the eggs are fertilized. She just sits there in hope of a miracle chick hatching I think!

If I take the eggs away or close her off from the nesting area, she stresses out so much. Ordinarily my girls are very quiet. But when I bring Winnie out for a feed, drink and a walk she spends the whole time flapping her wings and clucking at me... it's like she is cranky and is walking around yelling at me lol.

She has plucked all the feathers from her tummy off and I am worried it will start affecting her health.

What should I do?

Thanks!

 

[cavemanrich]

I had broody chicks for extended periods of time. no rooster so no need to brood. I took out the eggs from under her regularly and she would just sit in empty nest. Eventually she gave up. I think if eggs are left under chick, it will prolong the brooding behavior. BEST TO YOU.

 

[donrae]

You need a broody breaker cage. Best way is to put her in a bare wire cage, no bedding or nesting place. Elevate the cage for increased airflow to her underneath area. Food, water and a roost if you want. Typically takes 3-5 days.