Broody hen not liking the broody breaker.

[mamajos]

I have a new broody hen that has been in the nest box day and night for the last 3 days. I put her in a wire cage as suggested and she hates it. How long does it usually take for them to settle down in the cage?

 

[aart]

Half a day....or so.

 

[Borders3]

I thought you were supposed to elevate the crate and take the plastic floor out and just leave her on the wire with the perch then the cool air can get to her.

 

[mamajos]

She is on wire, the plastic is under to catch poop. There is about an inch of space between wire and plastic tray. When she sits on that piece of 2x4, she will have air under her from the wire floor. I’ll see how that works.

 

[mamajos]

Thank you, @aart. She is usually so calm and loveable. It’s hard to see her upset in the cage. She does seem to be settling down some now. I figured she would not like it, as it is going against her instincts.

 

[aart]

She is on wire, the plastic is under to catch poop. There is about an inch of space between wire and plastic tray. When she sits on that piece of 2x4, she will have air under her from the wire floor. I’ll see how that works.

Did the small mesh on the bottom come with the crate?
Might not need the tray under there, and might be good to raise it up higher.
I use a couple of chunk for 4x4.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I would raise her up higher,get a good breeze going under her. I had a broody recently. She was absolutely pissed. Had to keep her in there for 72 hours.

 

[mamajos]

The cage came with wire on the bottom. I’ll remove the tray, you are right, I don’t need it there. And I do have a piece of 4x4 I can cut. I’ll put that in tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice!! I had to put some Neosporin on her face, she scratches it up on the wire. I hope she calms down.

 

[mamajos]

I got a piece of 4x4 in the cage and removed the plastic tray. Now to see if it all works........

 

[Borders3]

I got a piece of 4x4 in the cage and removed the plastic tray. Now to see if it all works........

It needs to be under the crate not in it, then she is getting air movement