@centrarchid
Hello.
I just popped over here and saw you have game hens, and experience when they go broody. I have a Thai Game hen, Gracie, who since Spring, seems to be broody nonstop. I gave her a shot at being momma; however, she would leave the nest for prolonged periods of time, as well as hop nests (had another broody simultaneously) if another hen was going for her bathroom break. Her eggs were constantly cold, or unattended, etc. So, I had no choice but to remove the eggs. Sigh. She's extremely cranky when she goes broody. I'm having to constantly remove her from the nests, and she tries to attack me. Its become quite the challenge, and its WAY TOO HOT for her to be cooped inside there, too. Any suggestions on working with her on this? I've never had such aggressiveness from her until now. UGH.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Orientals I have no experience with.
That being said, some pullets do not get into the act properly on first go. Mine when effectively overfed have problems as you describe. Some of what you see may be an effort to disrupt competition as their chicks would compete with hers. Also I have several hens in field that come off nest for extended periods when it is hot and multiple times each day. This less apparent when I come out only early in the AM and just before dark. I can otherwise monitor them with binoculars.
Consider putting a shaded pen over her and nest. It is very possible that she will stay better with her nest even if pen propped up so she can come and goes as she pleases.
With respect to aggressiveness. Go sit by her in a chair and look away possibly reading a book. She will become accustomed to you with repeated efforts.
