Broody Hen in cold climate

Newchickadee30

Songster
Mar 20, 2020
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I suddenly have a broody RIR in the middle of a Canadian winter! We are in a cold snap and averaging-35C which is around -31F to all my American folks on here.
I noticed it 3 days ago and have been out there kicking her out of the nesting box. She is in a different box everyday.
She has ripped out her belly feathers. I imagine it’s not healthy for her or chicks in this climate this time of year?
What would make her to do this? I do have the lights in the coop turn on a few hours before the sun comes up to help with egg production and I was wondering if maybe that caused it?
 
It's a hormonal thing. Not sure if the lights have anything to do with it.

It would be best if she didn't hatch right now since that is pretty darn cold for chicks, so I would break her of it.
 
I imagine it’s not healthy for her or chicks in this climate this time of year?
No, not a good idea....unless it's going to be significantly warmer in 21 days.
I let a broody hatch during a frigid winter, it worked out OK, but I wouldn't do it again.

The lighting may have played a part in her going broody.
But turning them off now won't break her, and your other layers will likely stop laying.
 

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