Broody hen, but I don't want chicks. What to do?

[mikecnorthwest]

In the past, I've just reached in and removed the eggs. I don't worry about removing the hen from the nest. I read somewhere that when they go broody, you just need to let them work through their hormonal cycle. Makes sense to me.

 

[welasharon]

I just keep taking the eggs. After a while they quit. I didn't feel like stressing me or her.

 

[Fluff-n-Feathers]

Kat'sChicks :

I have a 3 yr. old BO that's been broody all summer......and isn't sitting on any eggs! Sometimes they just don't get it. We've moved her, tried a cage, used a wire-bottom one, etc. I've never had a broody this determined......I could give her a fertile egg or two, but I don't need more babies, really..........good luck!

My cochin did that to me so I gave in let her hatch some fertile eggs for a friend of mine

 

[tclegg]

I never really gave much thought to the broody cycle. I have hens just for egg laying. (no roosters--can't have where I am) .Picked my hens for egg laying and best to get through winter..I researched for a year before even contemplated chickens (good for me, good for them). I don't know what will happen if or when they go broody only have 4 that is in laying stage now--but my other 12 are diff breeds. I know the ones that should lay in next 2 months some can be known to go broody...so I am just going to play by ear and see what works--alot of BYCrs have good ides and I will try what I can...that is all I can do...Nothing is a given...not sure if this helps--just my humble opinion...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It's quicker to suspend her in a wire bottomed cage. They don't need a rooster or even eggs to sit broody.
You won't get eggs from her until she's broken.

 

[tclegg]

Quote:
x2

 

[tclegg]

Forgot to add--I want eggs--they are great--but to me I NEEDED my chickens for hobby--Hubby knew and supported...that was my thing..So maybe people may not support...but even if none of my chickens gave one egg I would still have them...they are my pets...I know there are diff opinions on this..but too me eggs are just an added bonus. Chickens have given me areason to get up in morning and live...Maybe that is sad but I am being honest...So there it is...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Not a problem. Everyone has different motivations. Breaking a broody is a little stressful to them but being broody is also stressful.
Limited food, water, sunlight and ventilation.