Broody Hen Help

[Panther Creek Poultry]

I need some help. I had a hen go broody sitting on some eggs that several chickens had laid in a nest box. I let her sit them to make sure she would stay broody. Then I moved her to a new location so I could close her off from other hens. She has a nest space and then about another 1.5 feet square area. I have put food and water in with her also.

So here is the problem, i went to pull the eggs she was sitting on and slip under the eggs i wanted her to hatch. The eggs she was sitting on were covered in this damp cornmeal texture poo. Will this hurt the eggs. Why is she pooing on the eggs. Do I need to give her more room??

As you can tell this is my first broody hen and I need some help.

Thanks-

Sheila

 

[luvs2garden2000]

OMG I am in tears

..............Love ya girl.

 

[Feathered Wings]

Well she needs enough room to come off the nest to poop.
If she feels she doesn't have enough room she will poo in the nest.
I would clean up the poo if you can and wipe off the eggs and see if she doe's it again.

I have had a hen or 2 poo in the nest i just remove the poo and wipe it of the eggs and put them back.
They generally don't do that again

Good Luck

 

[Ridgerunner]

This site gives the dimensions this lady uses for a broody box, 24" x 30". I think you may not have enough room for her.

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/broody-hens-1.html