Broody Hen Help

[RileyB]

I've read that broody hens may die from not eating or drinking. I have not noticed my broody hen eating or drinking, but I also am not down there 24/7. How should I handle this? Is there a way to ensure she is eating and drinking?

 

[bobbi-j]

Broody hens tend to be secretive, and won't leave the nest if they know you're watching. I have also heard of broody hens dying on the nest, but I really can't believe that it's a common problem. Think about it - if it were, there wouldn't be very many chickens in the world, would there?

Personally, I think that if a hen dies on the nest, there may be an underlying problem to begin with. If it makes you feel better, maybe you can put some feed and water near where she's setting and monitor them to see if they're going down.