Broody Hen Help Please!

[cblakley0531]

I had a hen go broody a few days ago, I don't have the option to do the "broody hen cage" that so many have talked about. Anything else I could try?

Has anyone just let their hen go through this cycle with no eggs to sit on? I can't hatch any chicks and she has no eggs under her.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Percheron chick]

The problem with that approach is she could snap out of it in 3 days or 3 months. You loose her production until she is broken. You don't need much to do the job. I have a 2x2 wire dog crate that my girls go in. I just give them a roost, water and feed. It's done in 2-4 days. I would find something on CL that will do the job. You will have others go broody over the summer and you need a way to stop them. If there isn't room in the coop, set her up in the run with a cover over the cage or the garage. Put her in the bathroom if you have to.

 

[cblakley0531]

The problem with that approach is she could snap out of it in 3 days or 3 months.  You loose her production until she is broken.  You don't need much to do the job.  I have a 2x2 wire dog crate that my girls go in.  I just give them a roost, water and feed.  It's done in 2-4 days.  I would find something on CL that will do the job.  You will have others go broody over the summer and you need a way to stop them.  If there isn't room in the coop, set her up in the run with a cover over the cage or the garage.  Put her in the bathroom if you have to.

The only option I have is to out her in the barn...which is dark most of the time...I read something that says try to keep her in an area that is light for long periods of time...have you ever needed to make sure to do that?

 

[aart]

If you're going to have chickens long term, a small wire dog crate(or 2 or 3) is IMO an essential tool to have....for more than just broody breaking.

Look around at yard sales to find one cheaper than buying new.