Broody Chickens

[dixiedoodle09]

We have about 30 red and black sex link hens, they are 7 months old and been laying for about 2 months. We have about 4 black hens that are broody.... i take them off the nest so they will eat and drink... do they still lay eggs when they are broody???? And will taking them off the nest stop them from being broody???

 

[riderbecky]

No, broodies want to have chickies so while they are broody, they don't lay eggs.

 

[scooter147]

There is no real need to remove them from the nest. They will get off once per day to eat, drink and defecate. They will do so for only 15-20 minutes so you probably are not seeing them do it.

Removing them will not stop the broody process. You can try to break them up by placing them in a wire bottom cage and elivate it off the floor. Provide food and water but do not give them anything to sit on. It usually takes about a week to completely break them.

 

[dixiedoodle09]

I am just going to leave them alone.... I take them off and they go right back in. I won't worry as long as they eat and drink. Thanks for the advice.